August 2010 Number 433 £4.00 www.bar.co.

uk

Conference
Report
part two 14
Britannia Conference 48 Relocation in the Canaries 56 Wage rates 62
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 News
No: 433 August 2010 www.bar.co.uk
FROM WATFORD

This month:
M
Editor’s Column 6
embers will be aware that The performance and image, and are valued by
Industry News 6-13
Removers Benevolent Association customers. See the ‘News and Updates’ section
FTA welcomes foreign lorry charge plan (RBA), a registered charity, offers of the OFT website: www.oft.gov.uk.
New flight fee fears support to needy persons connected with our On page 47 is a report from FEDEMAC
UK housing market update industry. The Rules of RBA were recently revised regarding developments within the European
Conference report 14-25 and updated by the Trustees, but at the core, parliament to extend the scope of the Working
CMG chairman’s address the criteria for assistance to be offered is to Time Directive to include self-employed drivers.
Beth Goodyear, BIFM ‘necessitous persons, including their spouses The aim is worthy, certainly no one wants
CMOTY 2010 Awards and dependant children, who are or have been exhausted drivers falling asleep at the wheel,
New BAR president employed continuously for a period of not less but it is important that the industry is not
Colin Crooks, Greenworks than two years by a current member of the hampered with overly burdensome legislation,
Jason Ruehland, FMA British Association of Removers.’ Donations, of and BAR has been active in lobbying, together
Commercial Moving Apprenticeship launch course, are always welcome towards the good with colleagues at the FTA and RHA, to ensure
Peter Middup, PFM Magazine work of the charity, but on this occasion this is that the new measures are as workable as
Mike Jones, BT Local Business not a plea for money, you will be pleased to possible when they are introduced.
hear. Rather it is a request that you bear RBA The BAR Young Movers go from strength to
BAR News 26-29 in mind, and draw to the attention of staff in strength, with the latest of their highly enjoyable
Conference survey results Watford, anyone you may be aware of who is events held on Friday 18 June, where 12 eager
BAR Services on corrugated board grades in need of assistance and who meets this criteria. attendees tried out their skills at go-karting.
Yorkshire Area meeting A sincere thank you is owed to those members Business sessions involved a presentation by
CMG News 31-35 who responded so promptly to the request Chris Waymouth of QSS on Standards, and a
Profile: Phil Oram from Head Office for details of the Customer course on health and safety issues, before
CMG golf tournament Satisfaction Surveys that are carried out under putting their networking skills to the test while
Training News 36-43 the Office of Fair Trading approved BAR Code watching the England football team in action
Movers on wheels of Practice. This information is a key part of on TV. Despite this, a good time was had by
the information provided in the Annual Report all, and the next event will be held in Watford
Changes in apprenticeship funding
that is made to OFT. There was also an element in October. An apprenticeship scheme specific
European News 44-47 of chasing involved, perhaps inevitable but both to commercial moving is currently in
EU VAT refund mechanism time consuming and tedious all the same, but development by Loren Webster here in Watford,
News Roundup members will be aware that those involved in in consultation with the Commercial Moving
Britannia conference report 48-51 domestic removals, whether in the UK or Group. Interestingly, it has recently been
Letters 52 overseas, have an obligation to collect this announced that some £150m of government
People News 52 information as a matter of course under the Code. funding is being moved from the Train to Gain
And another thing ... 53 The admirable speed with which many members programme to Apprenticeship schemes aimed
Competition 53 responded to the request showed that it can at those aged 19 and over. So, access to
Articles 54-62 be done without a great deal of trouble. While funding for these kind of apprenticeships should
Profile: Britannia Appleyards of Hull on the subject of the OFT, they have recently be more available than has been the case in
Feature: Relocations in the Canaries issued a press release drawing attention to an the past.
The Euro 6 challenge independent report entitled ‘Consumer Codes New BAR Membership Certificates have
Approval Scheme: Evaluating Consumer recently been designed, and those members
Profile: PHS Teacrate
Experiences’. Does this sound a little too dry? who renewed and paid their subscription
Packexe: Designed for a purpose
Well, actually, it is very interesting and worth promptly by 31 July should now have received
Wage rates
reading when you have a few moments, to get these in hard copy. Electronic versions, in pdf,
Memberships 63 a flavour of how the Codes can improve are also available, by e-mail on request.
Diary Dates 65
Feature Schedule 65 On the cover: Matt Purdie officially hands the BAR presidency over to Reg Hackworthy

The British Association of Removers

Contact Details: Editorial
Contribution on all aspects of the Removals & Storage industry
are welcomed, together with photographs if appropriate.
Please contact The Editor, Steve Jordan:
Tel: 01908 695500 Fax: 01908 690099
Email: rands@thewordsworkshop.co.uk
By post: Removals & Storage, The Words Workshop Ltd
26 Swanwick Lane, Broughton, Milton Keynes MK10 9LD
Contact Details: Advertising
For all enquiries and bookings, please contact Marianne Lee:
Tel: 01908 695500 Fax: 01908 690099
Email: marianne@thewordsworkshop.co.uk
Deadline: The booking deadline for all display advertisements is
the 10th of the month preceding publication.
Removals & Storage is subscribed to by members of the British Tel: 01923 699 480
Fax: 01923 699 481
Association of Removers in the UK and Overseas.
E-mail: info@bar.co.uk
Subscriptions: Additional subscriptions are available from BAR
at: Tangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford, Hertfordshire President: Reg Hackworthy
WD18 0TG. Tel: 01923 699 480 Fax: 01923 699 481 Director General: Stephen Vickers
E-mail: info@bar.co.uk. Current annual subscription is £48.00 in Company Secretary: James Falkner
the UK and £72.00 overseas. Editor: Steve Jordan
Assistant Editor: David Jordan
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in Removals & Storage are not
necessarily those of the British Association of Removers, or of News Editor: Nikki Gee
Features Editor: Charlotte Freestone
its publisher.
Removals & Storage is designed on behalf of
All rights reserved: No part of Removals & Storage may be The British Association of Removers by:
scanned, reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without I Like. Tel: 01908 675854, Email: talk2ilike@btopenworld.com
the prior written permission of the publisher. (To contact R&S, see details opposite.)

Copy and advertising deadlines 2010

Article submission: 5th of the month preceding publication Booking of trade adverts: 10th of the month preceding publication
Booking of display adverts: 10th of the month preceding publication Artwork for adverts: 15th of the month preceding publication
Booking of classified adverts: 10th of the month preceding publication

August 2010 Removals & Storage 5

 Industry News

Brand new
THE
Editor’s PHS Datasafe
COLUMN PHS Datasafe has re-branded and will now be known
as PHS Recordsmanagement. Along with the new
name, the brand colour has also been changed.
S
o, here we are in August, the mid-summer rush is in full swing,
telephones glowing hot, overtime rates through the roof and
Chriz Mudzingwa
vehicles that haven’t seen the yard for weeks. Is that the way it is shows off the new
or, not quite. logo, vehicle livery
It’s very easy to get locked in a bubble, so wrapped up in your own world and staff uniform

that you never get the chance to see beyond. If you have done well this
summer is it because the recession is over or just because you have been
successful in gaining market share? If the summer has been slow, expectedly
or otherwise, are you missing out or is the work just not out there yet?
Over the last few months R&S has been running a regular housing
survey that has demonstrated that the market should, theoretically, be
easing. But has that found its way to moving companies yet? Reports
from people I have spoken to vary. Some say that they are busier than
ever before – some that there is a long way to go before they return to
the heady days of a few years ago.

A
So what’s your point of view? Is the recession over, are we scrambling
long with the new name, the documents, records and computer
up the mountain only to go sliding down the other side as the sometime
brand colour has also been back up tapes, file management
predicted double-dip comes in to bite us. Or maybe you don’t much care!
changed. Staff uniforms are and destruction date advice.
Perhaps one of the benefits of a downturn in business is that it makes
now green and vehicles are sporting Nick Burke, Commercial Director
us all feel bullet proof – if we can survive that we can survive anything,
new livery. Even the literature has of PHS Recordsmanagement said,
so why worry. Please let me know.
been spruced up and the website “We wanted to re-brand the
Meanwhile I hope you enjoy this August issue of R&S lovingly prepared
given a spring clean and a new business to reflect the complete
as always by the team in Milton Keynes. In its pages I trust you’ll find
address www.recordsmanagment. range of services we provide,” said
something for everyone including a report on the Britannia conference
co.uk. Nick. “It’s also an opportunity to
and, of course, part two of the BAR conference including all the CMG-
Since being acquired by PHS refresh our image and take the
related presentations. May I draw your attention too to the article on
Group in 2008, the records business forward as we look to
page 62 on wage rates in the transport industry. This will help you to
management company has built invest further in our infrastructure
benchmark your wage rates to other areas of the industry to test whether
three new strategic state-of-the-art and service.”
you are keeping up or falling back. As the industry picks up and companies
storage facilities allowing UK-wide The latest investment in PHS
start to recruit again, it’s vitally important that you protect your most
coverage in what has been a very Recordsmanagment comes in the
precious asset.
busy period for PHS form of a bespoke customer online
With the aid of a little deft planning, and totally capable staff, I am just
Recordsmanagement. It is hoped access system, Pinpoint, which is
about to head off for a few days in the sun (that is if the weather’s nice
that the new name and branding about to be launched. It has been
in Wales). I hope the summer’s not been disappointing for you either.
will more accurately reflect the designed in response to client
Steve Jordan services the company offers requirements and makes access to
including secure storage of their accounts even easier.

Two celebrity moves for

Allen Removals & Storage Ltd
D
ublin-based Allen Removals
& Storage Ltd recently
undertook two celebrity
moves: the singer Ronan Keating and
the CEO of Ryanair, Michael O’Leary.
Ronan Keating was moved from
a house within the Malahide area
of Dublin to a local house, with a
small volume taken back to storage.
The move took three days to
complete but was quite difficult for
the crew as they had to pack
thousands of CDs and were working
with a constant barrage of flashes
from photographers’ cameras.
Eamonn Finn, Managing Director
of Allen Removals said, “The move
was very difficult as access to the Eamonn Finn said, “This was a back in their original positions and
new unfinished house wasn’t tough move as all the paintings a strict time schedule had to be
complete and there were numerous had to be uncrated and re-hung adhered to.”
builders still on site, which makes
a smooth move very difficult,
however everything was completed
on schedule.”
For Michael O’Leary, Allen
Removals were returning the
contents of a period house back from
storage where they had been for a
year. The job took eight days to
complete and there were in excess
of 150 paintings that had been
packed and stored in Allen’s custom
made picture crates, all of which Ronan Keating Michael O’Leary
had to be unpacked and re-hung.

6 Removals & Storage August 2010


FTA welcomes
government plans for
foreign lorry charge
The Freight Transport Association
(FTA) has welcomed government
proposals to introduce a tax on
foreign lorries but insists that for a
lorry road user charging scheme
(LRUC) to be worthwhile it must
bring tangible benefits to
commercial vehicle operators.
M
alcolm Bingham, FTA’s Head of Road
Network Management Policy said:
“Foreign lorries make a considerable
impact on UK roads, which has so far gone
unpaid. This is in stark contrast to the rest of
Europe where road pricing is evident in the
majority of member states. To compound this
inequality, foreign trucks tend to fill up with diesel
Legal burden
for hauliers
By Backhouse Jones
Motorists are to find they are faced with a
heavy financial burden if defending
themselves from alleged traffic offences.
Previously, those defendants acquitted by the
courts would have their ‘reasonable costs’ met,
but recent changes to the legislation mean that
An LRUC scheme
would level the
playing field in
principle, says
the FTA
bought outside the UK, where fuel duty is far
lower, putting domestic companies at a greater
commercial disadvantage. So, in principle lorry
road user charging will help to level this rather
uneven playing field.”
An LRUC scheme would in practice be levied
at the same amount for all lorry drivers, foreign
and domestic, so it is important that the scheme
is revenue neutral compared to current levels,
which can be achieved either through lowering
fuel duty or vehicle excise duty.
Bingham concluded, “As well as bringing
fairness to commercial road users, the LRUC
must also bring clear tangible benefits to
transport operators, meaning that all revenues
generated are ploughed back into maintaining
and improving the road network. After all, by
alleviating congestion, for example, it is not just
commercial deliveries that will benefit but the
environment, local residents and other road
users too.”
costs will only be paid at legal aid rates – 10-15%
of commercial rates.
Transport lawyers are warning that this could
mean innocent drivers cannot afford to defend
themselves and could end up pleading guilty for
financial reasons. This has particular impact
on transport operators as all convictions must
be reported to the Traffic Commissioner, which
could potentially affect an Operator’s Licence.
Meanwhile, drivers will now be hit by a £15
fee called a Victim Surcharge when they
receive a fixed penalty notice. Critics argue
that most motoring offences are victimless.
Industry News
NEVER RISK
LENDING
YOUR DISC
By Backhouse Jones
A
recent case has shown how the Traffic
Commissioner will come down hard
on anyone who illegally operates
vehicles under loaned operator discs.
The case in question related to an operator
who had borrowed operator discs from two
other businesses. The investigation took a
year to complete but it certainly shows how
serious such an offence can be.
It all started when a vehicle was stopped
by the police. It was found that the owner
was performing a journey for hire and
reward without a PSV Operator’s Licence.
Other offences were alleged which included
using a vehicle as a PSV where passengers
were standing whilst the vehicle was in
motion and having no tachograph and
therefore failing to keep a record whilst using
the vehicle on an EC regulated journey.
The operator had, prior to be stopped by
the police, made an application for an
Operator’s Licence which was still pending.
In the meantime he borrowed a disc to use
on another vehicle from a different company
and had run under this borrowed licence for
a number of months. It only came to light
that the disc had been lent after the vehicle
was inspected at a vehicle testing station.
Subsequently the operator’s premises and
vehicles were inspected and another borrowed
licence was discovered.
At a Public Inquiry, the Traffic Commissioner
came to the conclusion that the operator had
attempted to deceive and mislead the Vehicle
and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and
therefore did not have the necessary repute
to hold a PSV Operator’s Licence. Should he
look to another business, he is unlikely to be
granted an O-Licence for at least three years.
As a final note, the two operators who lent
the discs were also called to the Public Enquiry.
One of them was held to have tarnished his
repute while the other actually lost his repute
in that role whilst the repute of the company
was tarnished. Certainly a big price to pay
for what was originally thought to be a
small favour.
Slipped disc -
Lending or
borrowing an
Operator’s Licence
will only lead
to pain
August 2010 Removals & Storage 7

Aircraft flight fee would
damage air cargo industry
T
he International Air Cargo Association
(TIACA) has called on the UK government to
abandon any idea of replacing the existing
Airline Passenger Duty with a new per-aircraft
flight fee.
TIACA has written to the secretaries of state
for business, transport and the environment in
response to rumours that the government is
planning the change and warns that it would
result in higher taxation across the air cargo
supply chain, increased costs for manufacturers
and consumers without delivering any new
environmental benefits.
Secretary General Daniel Fernandez said,
“We understand the per-plane fee would
ostensibly be imposed for environmental
reasons, as a means of addressing aviation
European automotive
production bounces back
F
orecasters are predicting a more positive
outlook than first expected for European
automotive production during the next four
years, with a strong indication that output will
return to the pre-recession highs of 2007 by 2014.
According to the latest ‘European Car and LCV
Production Outlook Report’, commissioned by
the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders,
the recovery in production volumes has been
underpinned by better than expected
performances from several vehicle manufacturers
and specific models. It is expected that European
volumes in 2010 will reach 17.2 million units
compared to 16.1 million in 2009. By 2014,
production volumes are expected to grow to
reach 20.4 million, back to the levels achieved
in 2007.
TIACA is warning
against a new
per-aircraft fee
emissions of greenhouse gases. While details of
the proposed new fee structure are not publicly
available, we believe it is unlikely that any of
the revenues derived would be directed to
environmental betterment and are more likely
to go to UK general funds.”
Daniel continued, “This would impose a tax
on the air cargo sector at a time when it is still
reeling from the economic downturn and recent
shutdowns of European airspace due to the
volcanic eruption in Iceland and negatively
affect not only airlines but forwarders, shippers
and the many businesses that depend on
airfreight to run their operations smoothly.
Ultimately, any additional costs will be borne
by the consumer through higher prices of goods
shipped by air.”
Paul Everitt, Chief Executive of SMMT, said,
“Although vehicle production volumes across
Europe fell by more than 2.8 million units in
2009, there is increasing confidence regarding
2010 and beyond, thanks to the acceleration
of new model programmes and the strong
performance by many vehicle manufacturers
over the first quarter of 2010.”
SMMT Chief
Executive
Paul Everitt
Industry News
FTA sets standard
with secure-load
guide for vans
W
ith overloading by far the most
common offence found among
light goods vehicles (LGVs), the
Freight Transport Association (FTA) has
published its best practice guide for transport
managers on the safe securing of loads and
equipment in vans. The guide provides
realistic and practical advice, clarifying
compliance standards for operators and
helping them to improve their drivers’ safety.
Worryingly, the LGV overloading prohibition
rate found by traffic enforcers increased from
55% in 2007 to 67% in 2009 (VOSA).
James Hookham, FTA’s Policy Director said,
“With many of its members running vans as
well as trucks, FTA recognises the strong need
for consistent and clear guidance regarding
the safe securing of loads, especially in the
face of more onerous operator liability.”
“We wanted to fill the void in guidance with
meaningful advice based on realistic data to
not only improve the safety of drivers and
passengers in commercial vehicles, but also
remove any legal ambiguities, so that operators
know exactly where they stand.”
FTA commissioned the Transport Research
Laboratory (TRL) to conduct the research
project – jointly-funded by members of FTA’s
Utilities Working Group – which, unlike
previous research, accounts for the typical
forces experienced by an LGV and its load
in a collision. While the Department for
Transport’s (DfT) code of practice on load
retention only accounts for deceleration forces
of 1G, as found in normal driving conditions,
a serious collision can generate more than
20 times this force.
FTA used TRL’s experience of analysing
road traffic accidents within the UK to identify
the real risks of unsecured loads in everyday
situations.
James concluded, “While the frequency of
injuries caused by loads in accidents is
comparatively low, the consequences of such
incidents are of the gravest concern. Our
research will provide much needed guidance
to operators and users, especially important
in the face of corporate manslaughter
legislation.”
Visit www.shop.fta.co.uk/c-8-books.aspx
for more information or to place an order.
August 2010 Removals & Storage 9
 Industry News
Beach hut
Brian Munro, Operations
Director, Fife Group, took this
picture while on a recent trip to
Rhodes. Brian came across the
vehicle parked up on the
beachfront in Lindos and
suspects that the vehicle had
perhaps been used to move
goods from the UK at some
10 Removals & Storage August 2010
point. He said it still looked in
reasonable condition and was
being used more as a storage
container for sun loungers, etc.
Brian said, “I just thought it was
a strange place for a UK removal
van to be and that somebody
amongst the BAR members may
have more info on it?”
Drivers to have
their say on parking
penalties in London
Drivers are being invited to have their say on how
much motorists should be charged for parking and
other traffic offences.
L
ondon Councils and Transport
for London (TfL) have launched
a three-month consultation
on levels of penalties for motorists
who commit parking and traffic
contraventions.
The level of fines is reviewed every
four years. The last consultation,
carried out in 2006, resulted in the
introduction of the two-tier parking
system in July 2007. This means
all contraventions on TfL roads and
the more serious contraventions
on London borough roads incur a
higher penalty than other
contraventions.
Londoners and other interested
parties will be asked whether they
think the two tier system works or
whether there should be a single
level of penalty charge. They will
also be asked for their views on
how much penalties should be for:
• Contraventions of parking
regulations;
• Moving traffic contraventions
including in bus lanes and yellow
box junctions;
• Release from wheel clamps;
• Contravening the London Lorry
Control Scheme;
• Bonds paid by persistent evaders
appealing against one or more of
their penalty charge notices;
Consultation web page and downloadable document
• Storage and disposal charges.
Following the consultation, a
final decision will be made by
Transport for London and London
Councils’ Transport and Environment
Committee on 9 December, 2010.
This will be approved by the Mayor
of London and the Secretary of
State for Transport. It is intended
that the new penalties will come
into effect from 1 April, 2011.
Chair of London Councils
Transport and Environment
Committee, Councillor Catherine
West said: “We know that parking
penalties are a contentious issue
and we are encouraging everyone
to have their say in this consultation.
We must ensure penalties are at
the right level to deter motorists
from stopping the flow of traffic by
parking illegally or carrying out
dangerous manoeuvres which put
other road users at risk. We also
recognise motorists, like everyone
else, are facing tough times and
we want to be as fair as possible
in parking enforcement.”
The consultation runs from 1 July
until 30 September, 2010. To have
your say, visit: www.londoncouncils
.gov.uk/lcandtflconsultation or call
020 7934 9907.

Road accident figures down
F T
igures for the number of
casualties reported to the
police in 2009, published by
the Department for Transport,
reveal that the number of deaths
on Britain’s roads fell from 2,538
in 2008 to 2,222.
The number of children killed fell
by 35% from 124 to 81.The number
of road users seriously injured fell
by 5% to 24,684 and the number
of slightly injured casualties fell by
4% to 195,194.
Cyclist deaths fell by 10% from 115
to 104, but the number of cyclists
seriously injured rose by 6% from
2,450 to 2,606. Cycle traffic levels
are estimated to have risen by 4%.
Kevin Clinton, Head of Road
Safety at RoSPA said: “Overall, the
Industry News
Fork Lift Truck Association
figures are good news. The reduction he Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) www.fork-truck.org.uk/safety-conference.
in deaths represents another very will be holding its annual Safety The FLTA is also calling for nominations for
large fall on top of that achieved in Conference on 22 September, 2010. its FLTA Awards 2011. As well as the four
2008. In two years, we have seen a As a key safety event in the fork lift truck product categories in the Pick of the Year,
fall in road deaths of more than 700. industry, experts from a wide variety of there are a range of individual and team
However, The Institute of fields will be delivering seminars on crucial awards for which anybody can enter
Advanced Motorists (IAM) said that issues giving attendees a comprehensive themselves or their companies. For rules of
it is important that this reduction understanding of the requirements and entry and nomination forms visit: www. fork-
must not be compromised by recent changes in safety law and best truck.org.uk/awards-enter. Nominations
anticipated cuts in government practice. The event is always fully booked must be received by 30 September for
spending. so register now to avoid disappointment at: consideration.
Neil Greig, the IAM’s Policy and
Research Director, said that the
IAM’s main concern is that road
safety is an easy cut in the light of
the public sector spending problems.
“We must maintain budgets if this
downward trend is to continue and
we are to make Britain’s roads the
safest in the world,” he said.
Road deaths
have fallen by
more than 700
in two years
August 2010 Removals & Storage 11
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UK HOUSING
MARKET UPDATE
To keep BAR members informed of the changing conditions
in the housing market the R&S will be compiling a monthly
update of the most important facts and figures taken from
the Halifax House Price Index.
June 2010
Average House Price for June:
£166,203 - down 0.6% on the previous month
- up 6.3% on last year.
House prices fell -0.6% in June
This followed May’s 0.5% decline.
House prices in June were 6.3% higher on
an annual basis
As measured by the average for the latest three months
against the same period a year earlier. This figure is below allowing for retail price inflation), the cost of housing has
the 6.9% increase in May, which was the highest since
October 2007 (8.9%).
Prices are 7.5% above their April 2009 trough
Despite the modest decline over the past few months the The fall in the cost of housing since 2008 has
average house price is now £166,203; 17% below its
August 2007 peak.
The increase in the number of properties
for sale is curbing the upward pressure on fell by 2.13% between April 2008 and April 2010 from
house prices
Estate agents have reported a sharp increase in instructions
from new vendors following the recent abolition of HIPs,
reinforcing the recent trend as more homeowners have
been encouraged to sell following the improvement in
house prices in 2009.
Crown opens
in Denmark
C
rown Relocations has opened a new
branch office in Copenhagen. The office
will be guided by branch manager Martin
Heder-Kampff, who is fluent in English and
Danish, and has an extensive background in
sales and the start-up of new operations. He
will be responsible to Patrik Eriksson, Regional
Manager for Crown Scandinavia.
Heder-Kampff said, “Crown is already working
with several large Danish multinational companies
around the world and we see further great
potential in the market. Establishing our own
office will allow Crown to develop these client
relationships further and enhance our service
offering to meet customers’ needs.”
The Danish office has a fully operational
warehouse, is located approximately nine miles
(15km) from Copenhagen’s international airport
and will focus on relocations and records
management. Crown’s expansion in Scandinavia
includes offices in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Housing market activity has eased
Bank of England industry-wide figures show that the
number of mortgages approved to finance house purchase
– a leading indicator of completed house sales – were
largely unchanged between April and May, at a seasonally
adjusted 49,800. Approvals in the three months to May,
however, were 3% lower than in the preceding three months,
indicating a modest softening in housing market activity.
In separate research, Halifax found that
the cost of owning and running a home in
the UK has declined by 6% over the past
two years
Between April 2008 and April 2010, the average annual
cost associated with owning and running a home fell by
£544 from £9,564 to £9,020. In real terms (i.e. after
fallen by 9%. Housing costs in the UK are now equivalent
to 27% of gross average full-time earnings, down from
30% in 2008.
been driven by a 19% (£881) decline in
mortgage payments (interest and capital
repayments)
The average mortgage rate paid by existing borrowers
5.80% to 3.67%.
(Statistics taken from the Halifax House Price Index June 2010)
Interdean
achieves
ISO 14001
accreditation
I
nterdean International Relocation was
awarded ISO 14001 Environmental
Management System accreditation in
January 2010.
This internationally recognised environmental
standard demonstrates that Interdean is fully
committed to reducing its impact on the
environment as well as operating in accordance
with relevant environmental laws and regulations.
The accreditation builds on Interdean’s Carbon
Management & Audit programme that was
introduced in 2007 and has been verified by
external company Environmental Resources
Management (ERM). Interdean was the first
relocation company to complete an annual audit
of its carbon emissions and a reduction plan.
Details are published in Interdean’s Annual
CSR Report.
Industry News
Wot! No
tax disc?
T
he BVRLA – the trade association for the
UK vehicle rental and leasing association
- has advised Chancellor George Osborne
to abolish the tax disc and allow the purchase
of multi-year Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).
The suggestions came in the association’s
submission ahead of the emergency Budget on
22 June, 2010. More than 34 million tax discs
are produced, printed and distributed annually
and the BVRLA believes that eliminating them
could save the government over £90 million
each year. The use of automatic number plate
recognition (ANPR) cameras and continuous
registration laws mean there is no longer a need
for tax discs to be displayed on windscreens.
With first-year vehicle excise duty rates rising
significantly for high-emission vehicles, to £950
for some cars, Treasury officials have previously
expressed concerns that high-value discs could
increasingly be targeted by thieves. “Not having
to display a tax disc would bring us into the 21st
century and reduce the burden on fleet owners,
who would no longer have to distribute them to
drivers or retrieve them when they were seeking
to obtain a refund,” said BVRLA Chief Executive,
John Lewis. “It would help the government make
instant progress in its plans to cut government
waste and the money could be invested in
modernising some of the DVLA’s antiquated
systems and working practices.”
The BVRLA believes that introducing the
ability to purchase multi-year VED would save
the industry up to five million pounds in
administration costs each year, as well as
improving the cash flow to the Exchequer and
reducing workload at the DVLA. “Having
previously shared our proposals with the DVLA,
we know that it is equally keen to see this
measure pursued,” Mr Lewis added. Elsewhere
in its submission, the BVRLA outlined a number
of simple changes that the government could
make to the current company car tax regime in
light of its ‘simpler and more efficient’ agenda.
In particular, it calls for a removal of the current
3% diesel supplement in benefit-in-kind tax for
company cars and fuel. “Removing this
historically out of date, pollution-related penalty
would accelerate further corporate adoption of
these vehicles and help to push company car
emissions even lower,” said Mr Lewis. “We
accept that, in the current economic climate,
there may be a need to make compensatory
adjustments to the benefit-in-kind base lines in
order to maintain the tax take.”
The BVRLA
has advised
the Chancellor
to abolish the
traditiional
tax disc
August 2010 Removals & Storage 13
 BAR CONFERENCE REPORT BRISTOL 2010
BAR Annual
Conference
Bristol
2010
Day two of the BAR
conference 2010 in
Bristol, as usual, focused
primarily on speakers
for the commercial
moving market.
This feature follows
on from day one,
reported last month.
14 Removals & Storage August 2010
Rod Seeland:
CMG Chairman’s address
Rod began by thanking the Council for their hard
work and support in his first year of office.
R
od began by saying that since August
2009 membership of the CMG has been
increasing. He said, “I was determined
to raise the profile of the CMG in our marketplace
and promote it to members.”
He said that to raise this awareness the
Council has developed partnerships with BIFM
and FMA. With BIFM, the CMG branded Good
Practice Guide has been developed and is now
available on the BAR website as well as being
given to 12,000 FMs. In reference to FMs, Rod
said, “We have secured articles in their trade
magazine, FM World, attended their conference
promoting the CMG and the quality standard
BS 8522 to raise awareness amongst FMs.”
BIFM has also agreed to have a full page web
link on their website as a members’ tool for
them and the CMG is now in discussions with
them about allowing CMG speaker attendance
at selected Area meetings.
A new trade magazine aimed at commercial
property developers and commercial agents is
being launched in the summer; the CMG have
already agreed a series of articles and
endorsements.
Rod said that they are also working with
various procurement groups such as universities,
NHS and local authorities and associations to
promote the CMG and the quality standard. “This
has proved successful. I have had feedback that
various members are now able to tender for jobs
in these industries that they would not have
been considered for before.”
Rod went on to talk about the new section of
the R&S, dedicated to the CMG. “For the first
time ever a report of all of the Council’s meetings
is included in this section, advising our members
Determined to
raise the CMG
profile - Chairman
Rod Seeland
and the whole industry of what we are aiming
to do.”
The development of the training course has
continued and the grounds for a CMG
apprenticeship established. Completion of the
apprenticeship and introducing two management
modules will be a priority in the next year.
Rod continued, “It is good to see the continued
interest and involvement of our members. Over
70% of our members believe that there is a
commercial benefit in achieving the certificates
available.”
“In the forthcoming year we will continue to
work with customers in the marketplace to
increase their awareness and allow us the
opportunity to secure more work for members.
Increasing the membership is also a high priority
and we will be going out to our Areas to present
to them.” The marketing committee has
developed new exhibition materials, a generic
CMG Powerpoint and leaflets for use at
exhibitions and when trying to encourage new
members.
Rod mentioned that he would like to increase
the amount of CMG information in the R&S
and actively encourage member participation
in these pages.
“Communication with the members must
become clearer,” he said. “And we will ensure
that clear lines of communication are established
to allow them to be more involved in the group.”
Other priorities mentioned were: the completion
of the apprenticeship and the introduction of
the management module to it; the continuation
of marketing the CMOTY and the production for
all members of a dedicated ‘terms & conditions’
for the CMG.

CMG Survey
Rod Seeland
T
he council asked David Bunting to
undertake an independent survey
regarding membership. A copy of the
full report is available from the commercial
department in Watford.
Every member of the CMG was contacted
for this survey either by phone, e-mail or
both to determine their opinions on the
Group in order for the council to determine
appropriate action. 80% of members
participated in the survey.
The first question was: Do you agree with
having a standards based CMG? 89.5% of
respondents said yes. “This recognises the
council’s decision and proves we have given
our members what the majority wanted,”
said Rod.
“One thing I will say is that some of the
councils need to raise the awareness of the
Standard,” Rod continued. “We need to reach
the target of all tenders and procurements
requesting BS 8522.”
When asked whether they read the CMG
section in the R&S 97% or respondents said
yes. Rod said that this shows that the CMG
have a great medium to get CMG news over
to the membership. It is important that CMG
members know who to contact should they
need to ask questions about the CMG. The
individual CMG profiles in the R&S seek to
do this. He did say, however, that they need
help to fill these pages and called on the
members to report any news or information
to him.
Following on from the previous question,
members were asked whether there is any
particular content they would like to see in
the CMG section. “We received over 30
suggestions for content,” Rod said. “We will
be taking all of your suggestions back to the
marketing committee to discuss and improve
the section.”
Rod said that the new website needs work
and he hopes that the entire Association can
work on this together. “It is new and we do
hope to develop the website so that members
can benefit from it.”
Over 70% of CMG members believe there is
a benefit in winning one of the certificates on
offer. “This demonstrates that the Commercial
Mover of the Year competition holds great
importance to the membership. They see a
real commercial benefit here for any company,”
Rod commented. The sub-committee strive
to improve the competition each year using
comments and suggestions from members.
Rod thanked the members for taking the
time to complete the survey. “We are always
working to develop the CMG further, and
all the issues raised by the survey will be
addressed,” Rod said. “Once again, there
were some great suggestions. We do listen
to members and all of our hard work with
the council will continue. We are all here to
improve the Group and make it work for us.”
BAR CONFERENCE REPORT BRISTOL 2010
Understanding what
facilities managers want
Beth Goodyear, BIFM
B
eth began by asking the audience, “What
do you think is most important to facilities
managers? Do you think cost saving is
the most important thing or do you think it is
quality?” The audience strongly voted in favour
of cost saving.
Beth agreed that cost saving is important to
FMs however she also said that when they are
choosing a partner that they will be working
with repeatedly over a long period of time they
are always looking for quality.
This means a company that will be on time,
arrive at the right location with the right
equipment, be smart and professional and
exceed expectations whilst still sticking to the
budget. Beth said, “Although I might be talking
to you, the managers and supervisors, before
the actual move, I probably won’t see you on the
day. I will see your staff and I want to be sure
that all of the information I gave you has been
passed down to them to make the move go
smoothly. I will have given you a brief of what
will need doing. Fully brief your staff with the
same information so they are ready to go as soon
as they arrive without any direction from me.”
Beth continued, “The bane of a facilities
manager’s life, when it comes to a move, is
crates and labels. Make sure they get to us when
we ask for them and arrive with the crates
before the day of the move.” It is important to
deliver these to sensible places so they are not
an obstruction.
Beth revealed that one thing that causes
FMs a huge amount of stress is labelling. Beth
appealed to movers to help FMs and their staff
find a way of labelling crates and items clearly
so anonymous objects and crates do not arrive
“We want you
to be our expert”
- BIFM’s Beth
Goodyear
at the new location.
Those working in Facilities Management are
always very busy with a move being just one
aspect of their role. On a day-to-day basis
facilities managers have to deal with numerous
aspects of the business including: contingency
planning; office equipment; procurement; car
parking; lease management and cleaning, to
name a few.
“My question to you is how can you help?
What opportunities might there be for you?”
said Beth. “Things like waste. At the end of the
move can you help the FM with the waste and
exceed their expectations.”
Beth pointed out that the FMs you are dealing
with might do a move once every five years
meaning that even if you are working with an
experienced FM they are still relatively
inexperienced in moving. “We want you to be
our expert,” Beth said. “You are the people who
do this every day, you know how it should be
done. Please don’t be frightened to tell us how
we should be doing it. Give us your top tips.”
Beth appealed to those who are members of
BIFM to use their membership effectively. “With
your membership you get full access to the
website which has loads of information. There
is also a forum used by facilities managers to
ask questions. On here facilities managers are
asking things like, ‘who would you recommend
for a move?’ or asking for ideas and inspiration.”
What a great opportunity for you to tell them
your ideas and make contact.
The BIFM has 12,000 members based across
12 regions. It also includes 15 special interest
groups. To find out more about the BIFM visit
www.bifm.org.uk.
August 2010 Removals & Storage 15
 BAR CONFERENCE REPORT BRISTOL 2010
Certificates of Merit: Representatives from certificate winners MJF Business Services,
Delivery Services, Premier Moves, Reloc8 and Robinsons Business Moving
CMOTY 2010
Presented by David Bunting
D
David Bunting avid began by saying that for the 2010
talked delegates competition the format changed
through the somewhat, recognising views expressed
judging process
beefore announcing
at the 2008 conference.
the finalists David listed the most significant changes:
and winners 1. The corporate move category was removed.
2. Three categories were reduced to one – that
of a one-off commercial move.
3. There would be only one over all winner and
no runners up.
4. Potentially there could have been nine
finalists last year. This year that has been
reduced to three.
5. Two of last years judges were dispensary
meaning two new judges were introduced to
the competition.
6. One of those judges, Chris Waymouth, the
Chief Executive of QSS, was brought in specifically
to mark a mini audit of the BS 8522 standard
with the finalists.
7. The marking system changed.
8. The BAR Director General, Stephen Vickers
was appointed as invigilator.
9. The use of the word ‘Wow”, in the context of
“the wow factor” was removed.
The three judges selected by members were:
Chris Ford, Director General of the Facilities
Management Association; Chris Waymouth, the
Chief Executive of Quality Service Standards;
and David Bunting himself, a member of the
16 Removals & Storage August 2010
BAR Board with vast experience of the market
place and the competition itself.
Seventeen entries had been received by the
closing date of 29 January. On Tuesday 2
February these 17 entries were opened in front
of the judges and the BAR Director General.
The three judges then considered each entry
independently of the other judges by reading
through the entries twice, awarding marks
against the criteria of: budgets; schedules;
overall quality; client participation; communication
process; project management; flexibility and
innovation. Each criteria were given marks out
of ten with the maximum available at this point
being 240.
The marks were then given to Stephen
Vickers for evaluation and a league table was
produced. At this stage, the company in the
lead had received 203/240. The company in
second place had achieved 196 and three
companies had ties in third place achieving
187 marks each. David said, “This presented
the judges with somewhat of a dilemma as,
according to the rules, there can only be a
maximum of three finalists.”
Marking was revisited with judges challenging
each other on decisions made. After some slight
tweaking there was still a three–way tie. Finalist
status was therefore allocated to the top two
companies only. Those two companies were

Winners:
Top: Rod Seeland, Simon Johns and Ryan Squirrell of sponsors Reason
Global present the CMOTY trophy and plaque to Mark Herrington;
Below: the Pickfords Business Moving team
BCL and Pickfords Business Moving.
The next step was to award certificates of
merit, incorporating the three companies tied
at third place and adding two more, making
five in total.
Those five companies achieving a certificate
of merit were:
1. MJF Business Services
2. Delivery Services
3. Premier Moves
4. Reloc8
5. Robinsons Business Moving
A representative from each of the five
companies came forward to accept their
certificates from Rod Seeland, Chairman of the
Commercial Moving Group, and Chris Waymouth.
BAR CONFERENCE REPORT BRISTOL 2010
New BAR
President
Reg Hackworthy took over as BAR
President at the BAR conference in
Bristol. He enters the record books as
the longest-service vice president in
BAR’s history after the presidency
became a two-year appointment
in 2008. Ian Studd takes over as vice
president and is planned to take over
the presidency in 2012.
Matt Purdie – the outgoing president – hands
the chain of office over to Reg Hackworthy,
the incoming president
David then invited Phil Evans of BCL and
Mark Herrington of Pickfords Business Moving
to receive their finalist certificates.
David went on to explain that two more stages
of judging had to take place. Firstly, the client
visit and, finally, the mini-audit of BS 8522. At
the end of the client visit there was only one
tenth of a mark separating the two finalists,
making the mini-audit of the BS 8522 critical.
At the end of this final stage one company had
achieved 24/40 and the other 32/40, meaning
that there was a clear winner once this was Reg Hackworthy – formerly the BAR’s
added to the previous marks. longest-serving vice president – with Ian Studd,
The overall winner of Commercial Mover of the new vice president, who will take over the
BAR presidency in two years
the Year 2010 was announced at the gala dinner
that evening: Pickfords Business Moving.
August 2010 Removals & Storage 17
 BAR CONFERENCE REPORT BRISTOL 2010
Partner presentation
Colin Crooks, CEO of Greenworks
G
reenworks has been going for ten years
and is the only organisation that focuses
on providing furniture for non-profit
organisations, other charities, schools and health
organisations and Third World countries.
Colin said that the company has an extensive
and growing network of depots including depots
in London, Wolverhampton and Scotland.
Greenworks also has the largest overseas export
programme to developing countries of any
organisation in the field. He said, “We have so
far sent over 400 tonnes of vitally needed school
and office furniture to developing countries
across the globe.”
Colin said that the company’s objective is to
provide a complete re-use and recycling facility
Partner presentation
Jason Ruehland, FMA
Jason Ruehland
J
ason said that the FMA are pleased to be
linked to BAR. “The great thing is we are
linked to BAR. BAR are very picky about
their partners and the reason they bring in the
right partners is because that makes good
business sense to you guys.”
18 Removals & Storage August 2010
Colin Crooks
for any leftover furniture and electronic waste
BAR members’ clients might have. He said, “We
want to work with BAR members to provide a
creative solution because we know that out
there, in the market there are lots of new options
coming through and we can certainly work with
you to offer the optimum solution.”
Greenworks’ offer to BAR members is to
partner with them, disposing of furniture and
unwanted items. Colin continued, “We don’t
compete with your logistics. We provide the
distribution of the products once they are at our
warehouse for ongoing use. You’re the experts
and have the credibility in removals; we have the
knowledge and the credibility in the environment
and social responsibility.”
Jason spoke about one of their upcoming
networking events ‘Contractor Vs Client’,
happening on June 9. “This will be a fantastic
even that hasn’t been done before. We will talk
about the state of play in facilities management
today.”
Jason went on to describe the potential these
events have for furthering your business. He gave
the example of a removals company attending
one of these events, meeting numerous people
along the way. These included:
• Client X who had a tough time convincing
the company’s CEO to replace the furniture
throughout their key sites. She had
comprehensively put the business case together
but with capital expenditure down there was
no money to put towards this.
• A small supplier selling handheld scanning
devices.
The company is presented with a huge
opportunity. It could offer free new furniture to
clients based on a lease agreement of five to
ten years. As part of that the company might
With your commercial clients, Greenworks can
help their corporate social responsibility. Colin
believes this is key as businesses are keen to
demonstrate to their stakeholders that their brand
has respect for society and the environment.
“We promise to maximise the benefit of the
unwanted furniture or items by re-selling it,
re-using it, exporting it, donating it or through
re-manufacturing it by taking the components
and re–building it into new pieces,” Colin said.
“That will be a very interesting prospect to your
clients as a lot of them will be looking at their
carbon footprint.”
Colin continued, “We have found that the
furniture in your clients’ buildings can be an
enormous benefit to the third world. When you
go to somewhere like Sierra Leone you wonder
what help furniture can have in a place where
they have between a 70 and 80% level of AIDS,
where one in eight women die during childbirth
and where one child in five will not make their
fifth birthday. It is an unbelievable level of
deprivation. What can office furniture do in a
society that is so ravished by disease?”
Colin spoke of a visit to Sierra Leone pointing
out that when he went to visit a school there were
no desks or chairs. “You can see an instant need
for basic furniture.” Greenworks was able to
supply this school with chairs and desks, but
also metal filing cabinets filled with books to
protect them from the wet weather experienced
in Sierra Leone. This has led to the literacy
rate increasing by 50% at this school within a
year, all because the school had somewhere to
hold books.
“This is the level of poverty that most countries
we go to live in. The furniture from your clients
can literally transform these people’s lives,”
Colin concluded.
choose to throw in free servicing and a choice
of a colour change during the contract. That
solves the problem for the client saying she
can’t afford to buy in furniture.
Another idea follows: cash for existing
furniture within buildings. Jason explained,
“What he comes up with is that on a
maintenance contract company B will give for
your current furniture, maintain and service it.
All of a sudden they are buying assets within
the company’s building.”
The company goes on to develop a web
application with the small supplier that allows
customers to register their assets seamlessly, with
the company’s staff logging its whereabouts on
the handheld devices.
“My point is that as a business, by coming to
one of our networking events, he has come up
with a cracking idea which sees his business
change,” Jason said. “Come to the next event.
It’s not just business as usual at the FMA and I
think you’ll find it can make a difference if you
come down,” concluded Jason.
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Commercial Moving
Apprenticeship launch
At this year’s BAR conference Loren Webster, BARTS Training
Manager launched the BAR Commercial Moving Apprenticeship
scheme and announced the plan to design one for each of the
functional groups.
L
oren has already begun work on the
Domestic Moving Apprenticeship with Paul
Fox, Fox Moving & Storage and Richard
Dolan, Greens Removal & Storage. Loren
introduced the CMG Training sub-committee:
Rod Seeland, Phil Oram, Kevin Mack, Neil Rogers,
Andy Carr, Robert Poyner, Loren Webster and
Martyn Minker, together the project team have
designed a structure for the qualification to
include a Level 1 Award, a Level 2 Certificate and
a Level 3 Diploma. The qualification includes
the following modules:
Award:
• Health, safety and security at work;
• Introduction to manual handling and vehicle
loading for commercial moving;
• Introduction to warehouse operations for
commercial moving;
• Introduction to site protection for commercial
moving;
• Speaking confidently at work;
• Wrap and pack goods in a logistics environment.
Certificate:
• Health, safety and security at work;
• Manual handling and vehicle loading for
commercial moving;
• Warehouse operations for commercial moving;
• Introduction to site protection for commercial
moving;
• Communication in teamwork;
BAR CONFERENCE REPORT BRISTOL 2010
• Wrap and pack goods in a logistics environment;
• Regulations in commercial moving.
Diploma:
• Structure of the commercial moving industry;
• Take responsibility for health, safety and
security at work;
• The supervision of manual handling and
vehicle loading for commercial moving;
• Planning and monitoring site protection in
commercial moving;
• Managing warehouse operations in
commercial moving;
• Manage the wrapping and packing of goods
in commercial moving;
• Operational administration in commercial
moving;
• Maintain the safety and quality of goods in a
logistics environment;
• Building working relationships with customers;
• LGV Driver Essentials – JAUPT registered
Driver CPC Periodic Training module (elective
module, not mandatory).
The structure is designed to enable removals
personnel to complete the apprenticeship
scheme, whether they are new to the industry,
experienced or progressing to/involved in team
leadership or supervisory roles. Loren then spoke
of the Apprenticeship Framework. She described
how there would be elements of the programme
to cover functional skills such as literacy, numeracy
and ICT. Loren spoke of how the Diploma part
Members of the
CMG Training
sub-committee:
Neil Rogers,
Kevin Mack,
Robert Poyner,
Loren Webster,
Phil Oram and
Rod Seeland
of the qualification had been written to include
a Driver CPC module to enable personnel to gain
seven hours of their Driver CPC training within
the qualification. Loren then talked briefly about
ways in which delegates could gain understanding
and evidence this - some examples of these are:
• Structured learning, e.g. classes, training
sessions, coaching, seminars and tutorials;
• Practical work in the workplace;
• Information retrieval in learning resource
centres, libraries or other locations, in other
words undertaking research;
• Expected private study and revision;
• Work-based activities which lead to assessment;
• Practice, gaining, applying and refining skills
to achieve threshold level of competence;
• Relevant ICT activities;
• All forms of assessment;
• Programme planning;
• Educational support and mentoring.
Loren gave information on how to apply for
funding through the Skills Funding Agency and
asked that any members wishing to gain advice
on this should feel free to contact her and the
BARTS team for information. She talked about
the qualification PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in
the Lifelong Learning Sector) and how this would
benefit any managers looking to take on an
apprentice. This is not mandatory to the delivery
of any training but Loren had found it useful
and, in the near future, Loren and the Training
sub-committee would be taking a qualification
to enable them to assess the performance and
learning of apprentices to help members and
reduce their costs. Loren explained that the
Apprenticeship would be on-the-job training
and an on-the-job qualification except for the
Driver CPC module which would have to be
conducted at BAR Headquarters.
Loren finished the presentation by explaining
the plans for the CMG Training sub-committee,
these are; to build a CMG commercial moving
qualification appropriate for schools and colleges
to attract young people to the removals industry
and also an exciting new qualification to be part
of the Apprenticeship at Level 4 for managers
in the removals industry.
August 2010 Removals & Storage 21
 BAR CONFERENCE REPORT BRISTOL 2010
Moving Trends Survey
Peter Middup, PFM Magazine
P
eter began his presentation by saying that
PFM is the UK’s oldest facilities title with
its 25th birthday approaching next year.
PFM conducted its first moving trends survey
in 1997. There have been 15 to date with the
last being on 10th May this year. The survey is
sent out via the Internet to 3000 facilities
managers, selected at random from two different
databases. The company began using this
online survey software last year to speed up the
process. The fieldwork for the most recent
questionnaire began in April and Peter said
that they are still receiving questionnaires back.
PFM had received 320 questionnaires back
by 10 May and the figures to follow have been
compiled from these.
The survey showed that 84% of FMs who
responded were responsible for the internal or
external relocations of their organisation. Peter
said, “That means that in the main these are
Cycling to the
conference
D
arren Frostick from the Red Group
once again took up the challenge to
ride to the annual BAR conference
in Bristol on May 13. This year he rode for
two nominated charities, those being Centre
Point for homeless teenagers, and the
Removals Benevolent Association.
The designated starting point was Cadogan
Tate’s HQ in Acton Lane NW10 and ahead
lay a 120 mile route predominantly along
the A4 before entering Bristol along the A420.
Initially the going was slow due to traffic
lights, and it was not until Darren cleared
Newbury that he could get his average speed
up. The rest of the ride went without incident
apart from some hard climbing in the last
20 miles, no doubt made worse by the 100
miles already in his legs. Darren finished
the day having used 6,472 calories, did
22 Removals & Storage August 2010
Peter Middup of
PFM magazine
the guys you need to be communicating with.
But you should be aware that other departments,
such as finance and HR, are involved as well.”
23% of respondents said that they use an
external relocations advisor, with 32% of these
using a move management company and 23% a
property consultant. “None of the FMs who have
responded said that they talked to relocation
contractors if they needed independent advice,”
Peter pointed out. “This is down from 12% last
year. This may be a worrying statistic to you.
They may just see you as external service
providers so maybe you can do a bit more
on that.”
The survey showed that key factors when
appointing a removals contractor were the
company’s previous experience and also the
price. Interestingly, the importance of being a
member of the CMG had gone up from 31% to
41%, but the importance of being a BAR member
3,200 feet of climbing with a total ride time
of 6:41:14
The Red Group would like to say a big thank
you to all the companies and individuals who
donated so generously to the cause, which
managed to raise over £1000.
Plans have already started for next year’s
ride to Manchester. If anybody is up to joining
Darren for the challenge then contact either
Darren or Caroline Frostick at Red.
Darren about to set off for Bristol and the conference from
Cadogan Tate’s HQ in NW10, and (left) arriving at the hotel in
Bristol around six hours and forty minutes later.
had fallen from 52% to 43%. It was the first time
the survey had included a question about the
BS 8522 accreditation and 40% of respondents
already regarded it as a key factor when
appointing a removals contractor.
Respondents were asked what additional
services they would consider buying from a
relocations contractor. 87% said that they would
consider purchasing crate hire; 70% said they
would buy storage and 64% said they would
pay for move management as a service rather
than just the relocation job. Peter said, “There
is a big demand for single suppliers. There is
no reason why FMs would not purchase all of
those services from one company.”
88% of FMs said that they had had an internal
move in the past 18 months. “I know the market
has been going through a tough time,” said Peter.
“But, the moves have been going on. They have
just been small moves.” So small in fact that
only 15% of those that had moved had used an
external contractor, compared to 35% last year.
External moves in the last 18 months were up
from 44% to 58%. Peter said, “We found this was
largely because people were downsizing their
buildings or moving all staff into one building.”
This time 50% used an external relocations
contractor. Performance on these moves by the
contractors was rated as being between good
and excellent with companies keeping to the
move schedule. Removals companies fell down
on the initial proposal document and the post
move de-brief.
FMs actively planning a move in the next year
was down 9% on the previous year to 43%.
Peter concluded, “To summarise, I think that
next year is still going to be a tough market,
but the opportunities are there. Budget cuts in
FM departments have and will put pressure on
you to cut your costs. When you’re tendering
don’t just talk about price think about value as
well, but be aware that you’ve got to show how
efficiently you can run the job.”
The Professional Advisers Panel is a brand new
initiative specifically designed to offer members
extended support across every aspect of their business.
This is a development of our highly successful Insurance
Broker Panel scheme whereby BAR members receive
unlimited support, guidance and advice from qualified
specialist companies within the UK. We are constantly
looking at ways to support our members businesses;
therefore, if this initiative proves to be a success, we will
develop the Professional Advisers Panel even further into
other relevant areas such as Health & Safety and
Environmental services.

For any independent insurance, financial or legal advice, please contact a

BAR Professional Adviser partner.

Insurance

Basil Fry & Co Ltd Reason Global Insurance

Tel: 01372 385 985 Tel: 0845 602 1775

Email: broking@basilfry.co.uk Email: info@reason-global.com
Website: www.basilfry.co.uk Website: www.reason-global.com

Financial Legal

Wellers Backhouse Jones Solicitors

Tel: 0207 630 6665 Tel: 01254 828300

Email: BAR@wellersaccountants.co.uk Email: enquiries@backhouses.co.uk
Website: www.wellersaccountants.co.uk Website: www.backhousejones.co.uk

MEMBERSHIP
INITIATIVE

in association with
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Product launch and partner presentation
Mike Jones, Managing Director of BT Local Business
T
he world is changing rapidly,” Mike said.
“We increasingly need more information
wherever we are.”
Mike began by talking about Tradespace which
he described as “Facebook for grownups” and
a place where companies can promote their
business. This free product has gained just under
250,000 members within a year for which BT
had to build a new platform to keep up with
demand. “It’s a place that people can go to to
tell people about your business. You can post
videos and photographs from your business,
compile new updates and write blogs about
your company, which are one of the cheapest
ways to get your company name up in the
Google rankings.”
Tradespace allows you to build a community
depending on your area of interest. Mike gave
the example of domestic movers saying, “If you
set up a community with local estate agents in
your area and they all have a Tradespace, it might
just be a way of extending your reach to them
as a potential supplier. This works in the same
way for commercial movers.” In April alone there
were 43,000 searches for the word ‘remover’ or
‘removals’ on the site. That’s a lot of opportunity.
Tradespace also allows for an online trading
presence. For £15 a month those with a retail
outlet, selling packaging for example, can sell
their product on Tradespace.
Smart Search was the next product Mike
discussed. He said that Smart Search offers you
a proactive route to getting you up the Google
search engine. Instead of costing thousands of
pounds it costs from £75 a month to £350 a
month depending on the kind of package you
choose. The product works by tracking back
the route a visitor to your website has used to
get to your site and what words they have used.
“You will get an audit of your site and we will
BAR CONFERENCE REPORT BRISTOL 2010
make some suggestions as to how you can
improve the key words you are using. It will
also take any money you are spending within
your monthly budget and spend that on words
that it thinks will help you get up the search
engine and fire people into your site.”
Mike went on to talk about BT business phone
lines. He said, “If you want to pay £15 per month
per phone line and have free calls to UK,
international and mobile numbers, you need to
talk to me.” He ensured that this is a real tariff!
“ We are going to
spend two and a
half billion pounds
in the next two
years employing
the right fibre to
increase your
broadband speed.”
Mike Jones
Everyone would like their broadband to be
quicker than it is. Mike explained, “The further
you are away from the telephone exchange the
slower the broadband gets.” BT will be spending
money to increase the speed of broadband.
Mike said that if you only have one broadband
into your business that could be a mistake. “For
the sake of £20 I think you’ve qot to have two.
For no other reason than if your broadband is
disconnected it takes the supplier ten days to
reconnect it. That’s thanks to Ofcom.”
BT hope to get 40 megabyte broadband to
Realising the
need for more and
more information -
Mike Jones of
BT Local Business
businesses. “If we can do that lots of things will
happen,” said Mike. “We are going to spend two
and a half billion pounds in the next two years
employing the right fibre to increase your
broadband speed. If we can replace the copper
wiring with fibre that will increase your
connection speed. That will enable upload speeds
of 10 meg. Two million customers, by the end
of the summer, will have 30 to 40 megabyte
broadband. This will give you the ability to host
applications that you currently have to buy like
Word and Excel.”
BT are also looking to push further into the
television market. BT will add Sky1 and Sky2
to your package for £20 from October. They are
also looking at providing on-demand movies
for a fee onto your phone bill.
In order to make this progress BT need to dig
up the roads and replace copper wiring with
fibre. “There was a time when we could just
march in and dig the road up,” Mike said. “We
can’t do that now. Every time we want to lay
fibre we need planning permission, pay money
for disruption and coordinate with the gas and
electricity people so there is only one delay.
That extends the deployment process for us.”
Mike said that the industry is evolving all the
time. “Over the term of your next contracts in
these areas things will change. You won’t have
a telephone system anymore. You will have
broadband in your office and your telephones
will connect to that. You can get eight telephone
lines down a broadband.”
Mike continued, “We need to tidy your
organisation up and unify your communications.
With this your mobile voicemail messages, your
faxes, your e-mails and your landline voice
messages come into the same box.” Mike
promises this will not only save you money in
the future, but also your time.
August 2010 Removals & Storage 25
 BAR News
What the people say:
Survey results from the
2010 BAR conference
A
fter the BAR conference in Bristol, BAR
conducted a satisfaction survey of both
the delegates and the exhibitors to find
out what people liked best and what was most
useful. This is what people said:
Delegates
Delegates were asked to rate all the aspects of
the conference from 1 – 5 (5 being high) in the
general categories of:
• Marketing, booking and information;
• Hotel services and facilities;
• Speakers;
• Exhibition;
• Events;
• And a general overview.
No aspect of the marketing and booking system
received ratings under 3.5 with the quality of
the advertising and promotional material and
general information all being rated over 4.0. In
this category the availability of the conference
desk came out lowest.
The quality of the hotel services was rated
highly by everyone with an overall score of 4.16
with the quality of the rooms and the attentiveness
of the staff both being rated at an impressive
4.41. All areas of the hotel’s activities (catering,
check in, concierge services, etc.) were rated
highly with even the lowest individual score
being over 3.8.
There were more speakers than ever before
at a BAR conference yet all of them were rated
highly for content and style. Presentations
made by BAR staff were received best, perhaps
predictably as these will always have the greatest
direct relevance to the audience. However the
presentations by James Backhouse and Mike
Jones (BT) were rated particularly highly, with
Product of the Month
The new OFT badge
Displaying the OFT badge on your vehicles assures your
customer that the service you provide meets an
approved Code of Practice. After recent feedback from
the membership, the BAR felt it necessary to update the
existing OFT vehicle badge in line with suggestions from
the members. Consequently, the new OFT badge is now
available with a transparent background, as opposed to
BAR Services are now holding the new badges in stock so please contact the sales team
on 01342 870087 or e-mail sales@barservices.co.ukto place your order.
BAR Services Ltd, Moor Hall, Sandhawes Hill, East Grinstead, Sussex RH19 3HQ Tel: 01342 870087 Fax: 01342 870072 Email: sales@barservices.co.uk
26 Removals & Storage August 2010
BAR support were all over 4.25 (i.e. good – very
good). Other areas that received above average
scores were: conference and exhibition advertising
material (3.5); exhibition information (3.875);
problem solving by BAR staff (3.75); the conference
as a networking opportunity (3.75); hotel facilities
and services (3.625) and value for money (3.25).
Areas that were considered to be below average
Brodie Clarke (UK Border Force), Chris Waymouth were: footfall on stands (2.25); the quality of
(QSS), Mike Lamplough (Pickfords Self Storage), enquiries (2.875); and unloading facilities at
Beth Goodyear (BIFM), and David Bunting the hotel (2.75).
(CMOTY) all being extremely well received as well. Importantly exhibitors were very positive
Delegates were asked to rate the exhibitors’ about the 2011 event with most agreeing that
stands for content, service and whether they they would attend in Manchester (3.875) and a
had plans to use the exhibitors’ services. Only very encouraging response to the question
two stands received a higher rating in the ‘use’ “Would you like an ‘Exhibitor of the Year’
category than the ‘content’ and ‘service’ (BT and award?” which received a 3.375 rating.
QSS/BSI) suggesting that these were considered BAR wishes to thank all those who took part
to be essential partners. Other stands doing in the survey, exhibitors and delegates, and
particularly well in this category with scores of will use the information it provides to continue
over 3.25 included BAR Services, CMG, Basil the development of the BAR conference year
Fry, Reason Global, Active Supply & Design and on year.
Steel Storage.
The Young Movers event came out statistically
on top overall in the events category with the
Welcome Evening, and the FA Cup event
running a close second. Although the venue and
catering at the Gala Dinner were rated very
highly the event’s overall score suffered perhaps
because some delegates found the band to be
too loud at the end of the evening.
The cost of the Manchester 2011 event has
been frozen at 2010 levels and, on this basis, the
overall view was that most of the 2010 delegates
will be coming to Manchester next year.
Exhibitors
Exhibitors at the conference were asked to
complete a different survey that asked about the
quality of their experiences at the conference.
Again they were asked to rate aspects of the
experience from 1-5 with 1 meaning ‘very poor’
or ‘strongly disagree’ and 5 being ‘very good’
or ‘strongly agree’. The overall rating for the Top: Delegates rated all speakers highly, especially
those from BAR; Bottom: Exhibitors also rated their
BAR’s booking process, staff assistance,
conference experience highly
information about exhibitors to delegates, and
the original white one, and can also be purchased in
two sizes.
The large badge (550 x 230mm) is ideal for the back
doors of your vehicles and retails at £3.50 each, whilst
the new small badge (370 x 115mm) at £2.75 each is a
perfect fit for the cab doors.
 BAR News

BAR Services on
corrugated board grades
In June’s issue of the R&S, BAR Services wrote an article providing provides good puncture resistance and is most
commonly used whilst a C flute ensures good
BAR members with an explanation for the further increases in board stackability and protection. For the heaviest
prices. The price increases were inevitable throughout the corrugated items, a combination of both the B and C flute
is used (for example, as seen in all the double
industry, however BAR Services is aware how frustrating this is for wall cartons supplied by BAR Services).
removal companies who are unable to inflate their own removal price That is the complicated part over but you can
now understand the importance of knowing
and still stay competitive. the elements that are used in manufacturing
your cartons. With cartons being one of the
fundamental packing products on a move, you

F
or Miranda Hyder, BAR Services’ General fibre producing long fibre pulps providing strength cannot afford to take any chances by buying an
Manager, the increases pose a serious and for this reason it is the chosen outer for the inferior grade which will inevitably provide an
concern and her fear is that in a bid to keep BAR Services cartons. The letter K refers to a inferior performance. Don’t forget, if you pay
costs down members may be enticed by what brown kraft liner whilst the letter M refers to a the price for Tesco’s ‘Value’ bread you will get
seem like low prices. “At first these prices may mottled-white kraft liner. Which colour cartons the taste of value bread!
seem to be amazing in light of the recent price you choose may be dependent on appearance BAR Services has always operated a strict
hikes,” Miranda commented, “but firstly members and price but you can be assured the quality is policy when it comes to board quality and with
need to check if the cartons are of the same grade the same. The inner layer (denoted by T) is a standards being a very current affair within the
and quality that they would normally expect.” ‘test’ liner and is manufactured from recycled BAR, the company is even more stringent than
That’s easier said than done! Understanding papers. The shorter fibres produced from the usual when insisting on the best. Whilst BAR
board grades can be a potential minefield that recycling process dictate that it is not ideal for Services feels that price increases are a sign of
often causes confusion but it is such an important use as an outer layer. BAR Services recommends a struggling paper industry and are not completely
factor. In the corrugated industry the fact that a members should be wary of the quality of cartons within its control, the quality of the cartons they
carton may be of a different or lesser quality is that have a test outer and inner layer; they will provide, however, is.
not always as overt as in some other industries not be up to the job if members are hoping to If this all still seems a little complicated and
and may only become apparent once in use. reuse their cartons on several moves. you would like some further clarification, please
Let’s take the food industry for example: Tesco Flute: Thirdly, the letters A-E are used to do not hesitate to contact the sales team on
quite clearly labels one of its food lines as ‘Value’ describe the fluting that is sandwiched in- 01342 870087 and they will be more than happy
which indicates that the lower price means a between the inner and outer layer. A B flute to explain further.
lower quality. Whether you then choose this
product is up to you. The same information is
available for your cartons but it won’t be
advertised on the outside of the carton, it will
either be on the quote or you may have to ask
your supplier for these details.
In 2009, BAR Services gave a brief lesson in
board grades to help out the members, but
more than ever it is important to recap on the
information that was provided. So here goes
with the technical jargon, but hopefully it is
somewhat simplified.
When you receive a quote you may find the
following, or something similar, underneath the
carton size but what does this mean? 125K/T BC
flute or 125M/T BC flute.
Weight: Firstly, the number 125 denotes the
grams per square metre of board. 125, 150
and 200 are popular weights, with 200 only
being used for extremely heavy-duty cartons.
This number may determine what weight the
carton can hold and how it can be transported.
Type of Board: Secondly, the letter K and M
denote the type of paper used for the outer
layer of the corrugated board with the letter T
indicating the paper used for the inner liner.
The quality of the outer paper is paramount to
the effectiveness of the carton. The strength
and bursting resistance of the liner will directly
affect the primary functions of the carton: Board game:
The board used in packing cartons is a complex
stackability, containability and moisture combination of board weight, inner and outer
resistance. A ‘kraft’ liner is denoted by letters K lining paper and the type of fluting used
and M. It is manufactured from virgin softwood

August 2010 Removals & Storage 27

 BAR News

BAR Golf Challenge

The BAR Golf Challenge, sponsored by Basil
Fry & Company, has completed its heats
stage with matches in Dalmahoy Golf Club
in Edinburgh, Lingfield Park in Surrey and
Worsley Park in Salford. The winners of
these events, and the match at the St. Pierre
course in May, will gain entry to the final to
be held at The Portal on 9 September.
BBC Radio Devon’s Interactive Lunch show
Latest results are as follows:
Dalmahoy Golf

On the air Winner: Graeme Lorimer

Qualifiers: Stephen Vickers, David Christie,

R
Gary Beattie, Graeme Hardie, John Robinson
eg Hackworthy, BAR President, had 15
Longest drive: David Christie
minutes of fame on 17 June when he
Nearest the pin: Graeme Lorimer, John Robinson
appeared on BBC Radio Devon’s Interactive
Lingfield Park
Lunch programme with David FitzGerald.
Winner: Daniel Wiggins
David gave Reg the opportunity of telling a few
Qualifiers: Bill Tiernan, John Luxford,
of his moving man’s tales, offering a comment on
Lyndsey Daykin, Tony Wiggins
the general downturn in the industry and how
Longest drive: Daniel Wiggins
moving companies have been affected, and
Nearest the pin: John Luxford
giving some advice to home owners. The message
Worseley Park
that home owners that are planning a move
Winner: David Bunting
should get their moving company involved early
Qualifiers: Mark Windle, Nick Wilkinson, John Horsefield
came through loud and clear.
Longest drive: Peter Doman
Well done Reg. If David Dimbleby wants to
Nearest the pin: Stephen Vickers
retire the BBC now knows where to look for
a replacement.

28 Removals & Storage August 2010

 BAR News

Yorkshire Area meeting

The Yorkshire Area meeting was held on 23 June, 2010 in the training
rooms at Kidds Services in Hull. 20 people attended, however others
were unable to get to the meeting due to a motorway accident,
including the secretary Graham Puddephatt.

K
idds was formerly a BAR training centre
for 12 years and since last year has
carried on providing training and has
gone from strength to strength. Kidds is a Joint
Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT)
approved CPC diver training centre and Steve
Broom - a JAUPT approved trainer who works
for Kidds as a sales estimator and has been in
the removals industry for 39 years - presented
a piece on the driver CPC. Explaining the need
for this and the areas covered such as drivers’
theory to this was price related - the cheaper
the course the less covered, etc. There was also
mention of ‘cowboy’ training providers that, it’s
hoped, will fall by the wayside. Philip Kidd
mentioned that all driver training must be given
by a JAUPT approved centre or the driver will
not go on the government Drivers Standard
Agency (DSA).
Phillip Kidd made a presentation on the Top: The meeting was held in Kidds Services’ training
training courses that are provided at Kidds centre, which was formerly a BAR training cemtre
services which include foundation skills, inland Bottom: Guests enjoying the buffet supplied by Kidds

hours, vehicle checks, tacho regulations, penalties
and infringements, etc. Steve also pointed out
that this is now part of the training provided at
Kidds services.
A discussion was raised with regards to the
validity of some CPC training. Steve Barker
pointed out that Britannia Leeds drivers have
all had their CPC training, however he had some
doubts on the course content as these differed
with regard to different training providers. A
AGS FW London BAR_135x188_eng Hires.pdf 1 2010/01/08 04:58:36 PM
skills, export skills and commercial skills. Courses
in management and estimating training will
shortly be offered. Kidds also provide forklift
driver training. The group was then given a tour
around the Kidds training centre itself which
has been used to successfully train everyone
from removal staff to prison porters over the
last 12 years.
Kidds then kindly provided a buffet with no
cost to the members other than a £5 donation,
which along with the money raised from the
raffle (again prizes kindly donated by Kidds)
helped raise £111 to be split equally between
the RBA and Help for Heroes.
It was decided that the next meeting should
be held at Kidds Services again due to the large
number who were unable to make it on this
occasion. The meeting will take place on 15
September, 2010 at 7pm.

AGS Four Winds,

for moving with peace of mind

� International and Domestic Removals

� 36 years of experience � 125 branches in 75 countries
� Secure storage ��High quality packing material
� Customs clearance and Transit Insurance

AGS Four Winds London has recently moved to new

C world-class facilities to accommodate the growth of its
business in international removals and storage.
M

Y We specialise in short- and long-term storage, and offer this

service at highly competitive rates to the private and
CM
corporate sectors. We are also available for trade storage with
MY the benefit of being conveniently located within the M25 with
reduced transit times.
CY

CMY In view of this expansion, AGS Four Winds London is currently

recruiting people with experience in Business Development
K
and International Move Coordination.

Memb. No: A015

AGS FOUR WINDS LONDON

Unit 1, Trade City Business Park, Cowley Mill Road,
Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 2DB
Tel: +44 189 520 1595 - Fax: +44 189 520 1581
Email: mario.amato@agsfourwinds.com
AGS, you deserve the best www.agsfourwinds.com

August 2010 Removals & Storage 29

 ��������������

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Football, skiing,
diving, family …
and still time
for work!
A profile of Phil Oram
by Charlotte Freestone
A
s a co-opted member of the CMG and
Operations Director of Premier Moves
and Premier Systems IT, Phil Oram is a
familiar face in the removals industry. Charlotte
Freestone caught up with him to talk about his
time in the industry, his hopes to advocate the
removals industry as a long-term career choice,
and his flourishing career as a football manager …
Phil’s first taste of the removals industry was
at the age of 17 when he worked on a casual
basis alongside his studies in the construction
industry. At the age of 23 Phil joined Premier
Moves, then a start-up company, full-time as a
supervisor but soon moved into operations after
a year. “I went on to set up Premier Systems, the
IT arm of Premier and now I control operations,
systems, storage and move management,” he
explained.
Since 1996 Phil has helped Premier Moves
progress from a start-up business, of two owners
and Phil, to one of the fastest growing commercial
“ It is important
for us to review
what the members
are looking for
and try to push
ideas forward ...”
Phil Oram
movers, now employing over 200 staff. No mean
feat when you consider all of the ups and downs
within the industry in the space of those 14 years.
Two years ago Phil became a co-opted member
of the CMG. He describes the Group as being
standards based. “All members are audited to
ensure they are working to the highest possible
standards. This in turn benefits their clients who
can be sure they are employing professional
companies with highly trained staff and the
correct resources,” Phil commented.
Phil has certainly revelled in the chance to
play a part in driving the removals and storage
industry forward and is satisfied with what has
been achieved so far. “It is important for us to
review what the members are looking for and
try to push ideas forward if they are beneficial
to everyone.”
High flyer: Premier Moves’ Operations Director
and co-opted CMG member Phil Oram
Phil said that since he has joined the CMG he
has seen a number of things come into force, the
most significant of which being the introduction
of BS 8522. He hopes this will prove to be a
significant milestone in the industry’s
development: “I would like to see the CMG brand
as the one that counts for all FMs when they
are choosing a removals contractor of quality.”
Phil also has high hopes for the formal
training that has been introduced recently,
targeted at the commercial moving industry. “I
hope that the removal industry can be viewed
as a career for school levers and others looking
for long-term prospects,” he said. “I think that
now the apprenticeship has been launched this
will help.”
Phil continued, “The industry gives individuals
the opportunity to travel and develop in a huge
area of skills, from porter to director. There are
not many industries that still have this sort of
progression on offer.”
How very true. So many industries nowadays
separate manual skilled workers, the heart of
the company, from the running of the company
with little opportunity for progression through
the ranks. However, in the removals industry
these areas of the company operate closely
side-by-side, offering a unique opportunity for
any aspiring managers or even directors: surely
a huge plus for those considering a career
within the removals industry.
After 20 years service, Phil seems more than
settled in the industry. However there is
something many of you may not know about
Phil. He is actually the manager of a very
successful football team as well. That’s right,
the winners of this season’s league and runners
up in the cup final … Letchworth Eagles under
12s. Phil said, “I have run my son’s team for
the past five years which includes training each
week and matches on Sundays. They won the
CMG News
league this season and were runners up in the
county cup final which they won last season.”
For Phil, this sort of family time is very
important. “Being in this line of work you have
to spend any free time you get with the family.”
And Phil endeavours to spend as much time as
he can with his wife Michelle and his two
“ I would like to see
the CMG brand as the
one that counts for
all FMs when they are
choosing a removals
contractor of quality.”
Phil Oram
children Charley, aged 12 and Emma, aged 11.
Holidays play a big part in this family time
with Phil indulging his hobbies of skiing and
scuba diving. Both entertained in different
locations you understand! “I love to ski and am
lucky enough to holiday across the French Alps
over Christmas and New Year,” Phil said. “On
the other end of the temperature scale I have
been able to travel to warmer countries such as
Thailand, the Maldives, Dubai and the Caribbean
to do some scuba diving.”
After twenty years in removals it is clear that
Phil’s knowledge and experience within the
industry, helping building a start-up business
into a national company, has been nothing but
a benefit to the CMG. The Group hopes to have
the benefit of his contribution for a long time
to come.
August 2010 Removals & Storage 31
 CMG News

BAR Commercial Moving Group Timetable and prices

Golf Tournament The day will run as follows

(times subject to confirmation)

Kindly Sponsored by Basil Fry Insurance Brokers 10.15 Players arrive. Tea, coffee and
bacon rolls are served
5 October, 2010 11.14 First players tee off
19.00 Dinner in a private function room,
where the competition winners
Dear CMG Member and prizes are presented
Following the success of the 2009 CMG Golf Day, sponsored
by Basil Fry, this year’s competition has been booked. Overnight accommodation is available and rooms have been
The 2010 CMG Golf Day will be held at Staverton Park reserved. The costs below include the cost of the golf, dinner,
Golf Course, Daventry, on 5 October, 2010. The CMG prizes and function room. All extras are the responsibility of
would like to thank Basil Fry for their continued support. the individual.
We are able to field up to 48 golfers on the day. Package cost
Prizes will be for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places for CMG members. Golf & Dinner £60
Prizes will be awarded for the best placed non-members, Golf, Dinner and B&B £125
along with a longest drive prize and a nearest the pin prize, Dinner only £30
not forgetting the occasional spot prize! PHS Teacrate, Golf Buggies £25
Steel Storage and BAR Services have kindly agreed to
support the event as well. The CMG Chairman, National Council and Basil Fry look
Those unable to take part in the golf are invited to attend forward to welcoming you on the day and to seeing as many
the evening presentation function, where you will be able companies from the group as possible represented.
to enjoy the company of fellow commercial movers in a
All cheques to be made payable to B.A.R. Cheques must be
relaxed atmosphere.
received with application. Invoices will be forwarded thereafter.
As with last year the format will be an individual and
Stableford competition, using full handicaps, played Send to:
within a drawn four-ball. Kevin Mack
The organising committee reserve the right to amend the Company Moves Ltd, 39 Invincible Road
rules up to the start of play but within the CONGU golf rules. Farnborough, Hants GU14 7QU

BAR Commercial Moving Group Golf Tournament 2010

Entry Form
Company: Contact Number:

Address: Contact Name:

Cheque Total:

Postcode:

Golf,
Golf & Dinner Dinner
Player Name Handicap and Club Dinner & B&B only Buggy

32 Removals & Storage August 2010

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INTERNATIONAL & EUROPEAN
TRADE SPECIALISTS
Instant online Trade quotes
Visit the Trade Services page
Choose either International or European rates
then just enter the User ID & Password
User ID: simpsons Password: trade

www.simpsons-uk.com

01322 386969
HEAD OFFICE: Blue Hawk House, A1 Manor Way
Business Park, Manor Way, Dartford, Kent DA10 0PP

Memb No: S092

 CMG News

Whittle Group signs six-year

deal with Teacrate
T
he Whittle Group has entered into a six-
year contract with Teacrate for crate supply
services to support operations within their
highly successful Business Relocation Division.
Following the recent appointment of a new
Director and Business Development Manager,
Bob Willett, the Whittle Group has seen significant
growth in the number of crates being ordered.
As part of their contract, Teacrate will supply
the Whittle Group with a large stock of their
own newly branded crates in yellow with a black
lid. The Whittle Group logo will appear in red
on the sides and on the inside of the lid. The
new crates have been designed to complement
the new literature range that Whittle’s has
recently launched.
The six-year exclusive contract extends UK-
wide and will involve the coordinated supply and
delivery of crates direct to client locations.
Bob said, “We selected Teacrate as our exclusive
crate supplier because we know that they bring
value to our customers and operational teams.
Left to right: Rebecca Clayton, Whittle Group Operations Administrator; Marie Schofield, PA to the
Teacrate’s company infrastructure, product Director of Business Moving; Bob Whittle, Director of Business Moving;Nicky Mather, Teacrate Customer
range and support capabilities set it apart from Service Administrator; Natasha Ghirmay, Teacrate Administration Manager
its competitors.”

THE NUMBER ONE SUPPLIER OF SELF STORAGE SOLUTIONS TO BAR MEMBERS

“...I used Active Supply & Design for my self storage project as their
understanding of the removals industry and how it dovetails with
self storage was second to none.”
Able Removals & Storage
WHY THE REMOVALS INDUSTRY LOOKS TO ACTIVE FOR ITS SELF STORAGE NEEDS
EXPERT HELP & GUIDANCE ON HOW TO ADD SELF STORAGE TO YOUR BUSINESS
A NO OBLIGATION DESIGN AND QUOTATION SERVICE FOR YOUR PROJECT
UNRIVALLED EXPERIENCE OF WORKING ALONGSIDE B.A.R MEMBERS
OVER EIGHT YEARS OF SUPPORTING THE BAR AND ITS MEMBERSHIP
PROJECTS DELIVERED ON TIME AND TO BUDGET EVERY TIME
THE KNOWLEDGE TO ENSURE YOUR SUCCESS
ENVIABLE B.A.R CLIENT BASE

CALL OUR FRIENDLY TEAM ON 01270 215 200

“...However small or large the job Active have been willing

to travel the length and breadth of the country to advise.”
Fox Group (Moving & Storage) Ltd

“...Active Supply and Design deliver everything they promise and

continue to be readily available to discuss self storage matters.”
McCarthy's Home Moving & Storage

Active Supply and Design (CDM) Ltd The Mill House, Crewe Green Road, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 5NW
Tel: +44 (0) 1270 215 200 or Email: info@askactive.com

August 2010 Removals & Storage 35

 Training News

Movers on wheels
T
he BAR Young Movers recently met in the track for most of the time. The Young Movers
Birmingham for the latest BARYM business agreed that the aches and bruises the next day
and networking event. This time it was a were worth it and a great time was had by all.
business session packed with information about After the Young Movers event, the young
standards followed by a Health & Safety training movers decided to socialise together in the city
session and an afternoon of go-karting at of Birmingham, networking and enjoying each
Teamworks Karting. others’ company over a meal. The event was held
During the business session, Chris Waymouth, on Friday 18 June so the England v Algeria
Chief Executive of QSS, briefed the group on match became the focus of the rest of the evening.
the new quality standards which are proposed Feedback from the event was as usual very
to be introduced to BAR members. One of the positive, apart from the football score of course.
aims of the BAR Young Movers group is to keep
members informed and up to date with important Above:
business issues. The topic this time was Health Lee Hawkey,
& Safety in the form of a training session Britannia Lanes,
winner (centre);
delivered by Darren House, BARTS Trainer and Darren House,
joint BARYM Project Manager, with Loren Farrer & Fenwick,
Webster the BARTS Training Manager. It was 2nd place (left);
Colin Craib,
an interactive course, enjoyed by all Young
Luxfords,
Movers. A discussion on these important topics 3rd place (right)
followed the standards briefing and the training Left: the whole
karting group
session.
The go-karting was enjoyed by everyone and
it didn’t take long for most people to get the hang
of it. Extra credit to the girls for putting up with
the jokes about women drivers! Congratulations
to the overall winner Lee who raced ahead and
managed to avoid spinning and bumping into

BAR Training Services

Training Available on your premises
The following courses can be delivered on site by our Field Trainer using
our mobile training vehicle:
• Health & Safety awareness • Removals Documentation
MAKING • Manual Handling • Fire Warden Training
TRAINING • Fire Safety Training • Risk Assessment
AFFORDABLE • Induction Training • Fragile Packing - Beginner/Refresher
• Basic/Advanced Packing Skills • Specialist Packing/Piano’s
• Vehicle & Container - Loading • Writing a Winning Tender - NEW!
• Warehousing • Selling Skills
������� • Export Wrapping • Removals Apprenticeship
������ • Commercial & Overseas Training • BTEC in Practical Estimating
��
��������
• Team Leader Training • BTEC in Removals Management
���������
•� Driver CPC •� Train the Trainer
�������� Please visit the BAR Training Services section at www.bar.co.uk
to download a booking form or call us on 01923 699 484
*All courses are subject to change.

BAR Training Services, Tangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford, Herts, WD18 0TG.
T: 01923 699484 F: 01923 699481 E: training@bar.co.uk W: www.bar.co.uk

�������������������������������������� ������������������
36 Removals & Storage August 2010
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 Training News

Changes in Companies that

apprenticeship funding offer training
fare better
R
ecent reports from the Pearson 2010/2011, 50% greater than that of 2009/2010.
Research Institute show a dramatic It is hoped the extra funding for

change in the funding available for
apprenticeship schemes. £150 million worth
of funding has been moved from Train to
Gain and reallocated to apprenticeships for
those who are 19 years and above.
This shows a massive increase with
the level of apprenticeship funding for
Apprenticeship funding for 2010/2011 is 50% greater than it was for 2009/2010
apprenticeships will encourage
organisations to invest in young people,
who can learn a valuable trade and gain
a formal qualification.
For further information on apprenticeships or
funding, please contact BARTS on
01923 699484 or e-mail training@bar.co.uk.
C
ompanies that invested in staff training have suffered
less through the recession, according to a study by
Skills for Logistics.
The Sector Skills Assessment report found that 41% of
companies that did not invest in training have seen
business profitability decrease during the last 12 months.
The figure for companies who have trained staff is only 28%.
Some 84% of employers claimed that staff were more
efficient after training, and the report highlighted the
savings in fuel, repairs and insurance that are related to
efficiency within the logistics sector.
Dr Ross Moloney, Head of Intelligence at Skills for Logistics
said: “The latest report confirms the reality that training
staff produces bottom line benefits. Traditionally, tough
times have always provoked the temptation to haul back
on training programmes. However, once again this is
revealed as a false economy.”
The report suggests that as a sector, logistics is generally
missing out on potential savings from training. Only 41%
of companies with ten or fewer employees offer training,
but these small companies account for 84% of logistics
businesses.
The report predicts that the largest challenge facing the
sector will be the required driver CPC training for over
300,000 HGV drivers and 200,000 van drivers over the
next five years.

BAR takes part in Learning at Work Day

N
ational Learning at Work Day, the
biggest annual celebration of workplace
learning, took place on Thursday 20
May 2010 with the aim of drawing attention to
the importance of workplace learning and skills.
Learning at Work Day has been run by the
Campaign for Learning since 1999 as part of
Adult Learners’ Week. The Campaign for
Learning believes that it is more important than
ever that workplaces and individuals maintain
and develop their skill levels in order to adapt
and thrive in the economic downturn.
On Thursday 20 May, BAR staff took part in a
morning of training and discussion with the aim
of improving skills and procedures at BAR Head
Office. The session centred on dealing with
telephone calls quickly and efficiently and health
and safety issues, such as reporting risks in the
office and the importance of signing in and out
when entering and exiting the building.
The Campaign for Learning offers support for
organisations wishing to run Learning at Work
Day, including planning guides, activity ideas,
promotional materials and special offers. This
year, thousands of organisations took part
including large corporations, SMEs, public sector
organisations and government departments.
BAR members can find out further information
on next year’s Learning at Work Day by visiting Follow the links to the Learning at Work Day website
www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk.

40 Removals & Storage August 2010

 Training News

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 European News
EU VAT refund
mechanism
Problems connected to the new
electronic VAT refund procedure.
Six months on from the EU Council Directive
laying down rules for the refund of VAT
expenses incurred abroad, the system is still
not capable of functioning adequately
according to recent advice from FEDEMAC.
Returns should be made through a system of
electronic national portals. Claims submitted
to the authorities in the Member State of
establishment will be communicated, processed
and reimbursed by the relevant authorities
where the expenses were incurred. The report
from FEDEMAC says that in theory this should
represent a significant simplification of the VAT
refund mechanism, saving international transport
undertakings or their agents the need to contact
multiple Member States for their claims.
Moreover, Member States are now under an
obligation to refund claims within four months
rather than six months as under the former
system. Unfortunately the national electronic
portals are still not functioning adequately,
making it imperative that actions are taken by
Member States – led by the European
Commission (EC) – to restore an efficient
system for VAT refunds.
FEDEMAC also says that it is aware that
there are broader VAT-related issues that need
renewed consideration, not least the ongoing
impracticalities for payment of EU VAT for
movements on behalf of private citizens, where
the origin is in an EU Member State other than
the one in which the carrier is registered for VAT
purposes. FEDEMAC will continue to undertake
campaigning on this and other VAT issues.
Functionality problems in the new
refund system and their implications
FEDEMAC claims that the new system’s national
portals are at best working in principle but not
in practice. While often offline, once running
the portals are extremely slow, delaying the
submission of claims. A lack of harmonised data
requirements between the national systems can
result in frequent errors in processing claims.
Finally VAT refund agents are experiencing
difficulties when requesting power of attorney
to act on behalf of clients in certain countries.
The implications of the delays in the VAT
refund system are potentially very serious.
Road transport-related claims make up 80% of
the total volume of claims submitted each year
and the sector has a high number of SMEs who
are particularly vulnerable to liquidity problems,
44 Removals & Storage August 2010
R&S is grateful to FEDEMAC for its contribution to this section
which have been exacerbated during the current
economic recession.
Furthermore, of particular concern, are those
claims related to expenses incurred in 2009
which should be submitted by 30 September,
2010. It is estimated that perhaps 70-80% of
these claims have not been submitted due to the
problems outlined. Recent contacts with the EC
have indicated that faced with current realities
they are now proposing a prolongation of the
30 September deadline. However, it will be
necessary to keep pressure on the EC and
Member States to do so, alongside the other
measures proposed below.
Steps taken to date by FEDEMAC and
response from the European Commission
In view of the serious problems highlighted
above, FEDEMAC has written to the European
Commission insisting on urgent action by
Member States and the EC to avert damaging
consequences for companies. It has asked the
EC to assess the true scale of the problem by
requiring Member States to report the number
of claims processed since 1 January, 2010 and
make a comparison with 2009.
FEDEMAC has proposed a two-step strategy
to the EC:
(a) In the short term, requesting that Member
States introduce an emergency mechanism to
clear the backlog of claims for 2009. This
would be a return to the pre-1 January, 2010
paper-based system (this should not, however,
alter the new four month deadline for
governments to complete the processing of
claims).
(b) Develop a medium-term plan, harmonising
data requirements and identifying what else
must be done to establish a fully functioning
electronic claims system as soon as possible.
FEDEMAC has also insisted that these steps,
and the plan, should be developed in full
cooperation with industry. To this end FEDEMAC
is working closely with other cross-sector
business organisations such as Business Europe,
Eurocommerce, IRU and UEAPME whose
members are also heavily affected. However,
strong action is also required at the national
level as well.
On 29 June, 2010 FEDEMAC received a reply
to its letter to the EC. The reply acknowledges
the problems experienced with the new
electronic refund system and it alludes to
technical measures that have been proposed by
the EC to Member States to remove the
interoperability problem.
Most importantly the letter announces that
the EC intends to propose to Member States an
extension of the deadline for the submission of
2009 claims from 30 September, 2010 to 31
March, 2011. By contrast it argues that it cannot
advise Member States to return to the pre-2010
paper-based system, since the legal basis for
that system has now been repealed.
This letter is a positive first step towards the
resolution of the problems outlined. However, the
following shortcomings should be highlighted:
• The extension to the deadline for 2009 claims
remains a proposal of the Commission.
Subsequently, pressure must be applied to
Member States to ensure that they agree to it.
• Secondly, the technical measures highlighted
fall short of the transparent, detailed plan or road
map, crucially with a timetable for implementation,
FEDEMAC wishes to see.
• Thirdly, the EC’s assertion that - due to the new
legal framework - it cannot advise Member
States to restore the pre-2010 paper-based
refund mechanism closes off a potentially very
useful means to expedite the processing of claims
while an electronic system is not functioning.
However, there have been precedents such as
with the introduction of the digital tachograph,
where Member States have agreed on the
suggestion of the Commission to derogate
temporarily from the prevailing legal framework
to resolve problems that have arisen from the
Member States’ implementation of the EU
legislation or their lack of it.
Proposed action
FEDEMAC will continue to put pressure on the
EC to take leadership of this issue to ensure
that Member States implement both short- and
medium-term priorities as described above.
FEDEMAC members are requested to put
pressure on their national authorities to act in
a decisive and coordinated way at EU level to
introduce a fully functioning system for VAT
refunds. The following core messages should
be communicated:
• The 30 September deadline for the submission
of claims for 2009 should be suppressed until
such time as a properly functioning electronic
VAT refund system is restored across the EU.
• Until that time it should be possible for 2009
claims to be processed according to the pre-1
January, 2010 paper-based system to clear the
backlog - if necessary beyond 31 March, 2011.
• A medium-term plan with a clear timetable
must be agreed - with the input of industry –
and thereafter made fully known, for ensuring
that Member States and the EU rapidly take all
necessary steps to introduce a fully functioning
electronic VAT refund system.
Members are invited to use the model letter,
available from FEDEMAC, to contact their
national competent authorities. FEDEMAC would
appreciate members sending copies of such
letters to FEDEMAC for the attention of tony.
richman@fedemac.eu along with any information
concerning the results of these contacts.
 The BAR Services guide to upping sticks: 3

FOR
YOUR
INFOR-
MATION!
(File storage box. Various sizes)

D id you know that BAR Services currently

stock a wide range of file storage cartons
in a wide range of sizes? Did you also know that
if you require a specific carton size for
your office move, these can be
manufactured to your own
specification? The file storage carton can be
purchased with either an integral or separate lid
depending on your customer‘s requirements.
For further details on this product, please
contact our sales team on
01342 870087

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 European News
News Roundup
London Lorry Control
Scheme website
London Councils has launched a new website
for the London Lorry Control Scheme. The
scheme regulates the use of roads to keep
heavy lorries out of residential areas at night
and at weekends. The website provides
details of restrictions and routing options, as
well as information on applying for a permit.
For more information visit: http://www.london
councils.gov.uk/services/londonlorrycontrol.
Toll rate increases
in Italy
As of 1 July, 2010 toll rates on motorways
directly managed by ANAS - the Italian Roads
and Motorways National Agency - increased
by one euro for vehicle categories A and B
and by two euros for vehicle categories 3, 4
and 5. However, this increase cannot exceed
the initial toll rate by more than 25%.
Furthermore, starting on the same date, toll
rates on all other Italian motorways increase
by 0.001 euro/km for vehicle categories A
and B and by 0.003 euro/km for vehicle
categories 3, 4 and 5.
Vehicle categories in Italy are classified as:
A: Two-axle vehicles, providing the height
from the first axle does not exceed 1.30m;
B: Two-axle vehicles, providing the height
from the first axle is above 1.30m;
3: Three-axle vehicles;
4: Four-axle vehicles;
5: Five-axle vehicles and above.
Year to date figures
2.4 million goods vehicles travelled from
Great Britain to mainland Europe in the year
ending the first quarter of 2010, a decrease
of 9% on the year ending the first quarter of
2009 and 71% higher than in 1992.
Of these goods vehicles 1.76 million were
powered vehicles, down 10% on the
corresponding figure for the year ending the
first quarter of 2009, and 635,000 were
unaccompanied trailers, down 5% on the
corresponding figure for 2009.
More details of the Annual Bulletin for
2009 are available at: www.dft.gov.uk.
46 Removals & Storage August 2010
R&S is grateful to FEDEMAC for
its contribution to this section
Graduated fixed
penalities in
Northern Ireland
The Department of the Environment is
proposing to introduce a scheme similar to
that in Great Britain to allow examiners of
the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) to issue
fixed penalty notices. The proposed legislation
would also introduce deposit and
immobilisation schemes.
London freight data
Transport for London’s (TfL) London Freight
Data Report 2009 is now out. It gives London
freight transport statistics, taking data from
many sources to identify the trends, problems
and priorities for TfL. These include the rapid
growth in van traffic, up 33% in 10 years and
the rapidly worsening spot check prohibition
rate for UK and foreign trucks, 39% and 50%
respectively. It also shows the 74% prohibition
rate for overloaded vans, causing big worries
for road safety. The full report can be viewed
on TfL’s website: www.tfl.gov.uk.
Road goods vehicles
travelling to mainland
Europe - Q1 2010
The Department for Transport (DfT) has
published national statistics on the number of
goods vehicles travelling to mainland Europe
from Great Britain by ferry and through the
Channel Tunnel for quarter 1 2010, according
to the arrangements approved by the UK
Statistics Authority.
Quarterly figures
598,000 goods vehicles travelled from Great
Britain to mainland Europe in the first quarter
of 2010, an increase of 4% on the same
quarter in 2009.
Of these goods vehicles 435,000 were
powered vehicles, down less than 0.5% from
the first quarter 2009, and 164,000 were
unaccompanied trailers, up 18% on the first
quarter of 2009.
Of the powered goods vehicles 20% (89,000)
were UK registered, the same percentage as
in the first quarter of 2009.
Road Haulage
Association forces
Home Office U-turn
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) says
that the UK Home Office has withdrawn a
booklet on truck crime after questions from
the RHA’s magazine Roadway. The UK’s
Serious and Organised Crime Association
produced ‘Lorry Crime Prevention’, supposedly
helped by the UK Border Agency. The
magazine asked the Home Office how it could
rate operators and drivers as victims of crime
from illegal immigrants yet penalise them if
they were so victimised. “Drivers who notify
the authorities and are found to have illegal
stowaways in their trucks immediately lay
themselves open to investigation,” said Geoff
Dunning, RHA boss, who says they risk
punishment for being victims of crime.
 European News
Do you have any news?
If you have please send it to: The Editor, Steve Jordan, Removals & Storage, The Words Workshop Ltd, 26 Swanwick Lane, Broughton, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 9LD
Tel: 01908 695500 Fax: 01908 690099 Email: rands@thewordsworkshop.co.uk

Self-Employed exemption
to WTD to end
The European Parliament has rejected the European Commission’s
proposal for a Directive on the organisation of the working time of
persons performing mobile road transport activities.

Schenker launches rail
freight service to Italy
DB Schenker has launched a weekly rail
freight service between the UK and Italy, via
the Channel Tunnel. The new 42-hour service
travels between the Hams Hall freight terminal
near Birmingham and Padova, and builds on
DB Schenker’s twice-weekly service between
the Midlands and Milan. DB Schenker, the
UK’s largest rail freight operator, said the
service had been taken up by retailers, food
producers and manufacturers because it
offered time saving of at least 24 hours on
road transport.
UK CEO Alain Thauvette said: “We are
providing our customers with both economic
and environmental benefits, as well as
improving service levels for their Italy-UK
supply chains. They are also benefiting from
a reduction in carbon emissions.”
DB Schenker is also offering collection from
the rail freight terminals to the end destination
and said the service had been timed to connect
with import and export services between
Birmingham and Glasgow. The arrival of the
first train on the new service came just days
after Eurotunnel announced it had acquired
UK rail freight operator GBRf as it seeks to
boost freight volumes through the tunnel.
A
majority of MEPs voted to reject the
Commission’s proposal that self-employed
drivers continue to be exempt from the
2002 Working Time Directive on the road
transport industry. This means that the exemption
from the Working Time Directive for self-employed
drivers will end. The decision applies only to
vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. The rejection of the
Commission’s proposal will result in further
administrative burden for SMEs and means that
25 infringement procedures against 25 Member
States will be launched by the Commission.
Slovak MEP Edit Bauer supported the
Commission’s proposal and sought to avoid
creating a precedent of regulating the working
time of entrepreneurs in line with the positions
put forward by FEDEMAC, the IRU and many
other stakeholders. The suggestion was to focus
on the problem of ‘false’ self-employed drivers
(those who are not really free to work for more
than one client) rather than bringing genuine
self-employed drivers within the legislation.
During the debates, misleadingly, the necessity
of the inclusion of the self-employed was linked
to the distortion of competition and better road
safety. Experts in the field of road transport are
of the opinion that extending the Directive to
self-employed drivers neither leads to increased
road-safety nor causes distortion of competition.
During the debate, it became clear that some
MEPs from ‘old’ Member States were of the
view that the self-employed drivers from ‘new’
Member States would be a competition threat
through social dumping.
Mrs. Bauer tabled an amendment trying to
avoid the rejection of the Commission’s proposal,
which was also supported by the Council and
aimed to exclude self-employed drivers from the
scope of the Directive as a general European
approach, but enabled those Member States
who wish to do so, to include them. The result
marks a major victory for the socialist group
within the Employment Committee that had
lobbied hard to defeat the EC’s proposal,
championed by Mrs. Bauer.
Self-employed drivers will also remain subject
to the same rules as employed drivers on loading
and unloading, assistance to passengers, cleaning
and maintenance, and police and customs
formalities. Current EU law on employed drivers
lays down an average limit of 48 hours a week,
which can rise to 60 hours a week provided it
does not exceed the average of 48 hours a week
over a four-month period.
Self-employed
drivers will no
longer be exempt
from the Working
Time Directive

Mandatory eco-driver
training won’t work
The Freight Transport Association (FTA)
doesn’t like the UK Department for Transport’s
plan for mandatory eco-driving training as
part of the Driver Certificate of Professional
Competence. “Eco-driver training can yield
results,” said James Firth, the FTA’s Head of
Road Freight and Enforcement Policy, but he
believes the benefits soon wear off unless it
is part of an efficient fleet management
programme. He said, “This proposal has been
built on pretty shaky grounds,” and concluded
that as there is a clear link between eco-driving
and cutting transport cost, the need to make
eco-driver training mandatory is “highly
questionable”.

August 2010 Removals & Storage 47

 Britannia Conference
Britannia
Conference
2010
B T
ritannia Movers International held its
annual conference at the Hilton Hotel
on Brighton’s famous sunny sea front
this year. And sunny it was indeed, not just
the weather, but the atmosphere in the
meetings and social events too was the
traditional Britannia family style.
Proceedings kicked off with a welcome
night at the hotel’s historic Clarence and
Lancaster rooms, themed to give people the
feeling of being in a fairground at the end of
a pier. The soundtrack was of waves crashing,
seagulls cawing, and the faint strains of
traditional fairground music. The dinner was
48 Removals & Storage August 2010
traditional seaside fare too: fish and chips in
newspaper cones, hot dogs, burgers, ice
creams and doughnuts.
Entertainment was fairground stalls, a
Victorian strong man with a ‘Test Your
Strength’ machine, a signature analyst and
a tarot card reader (as seen on Sky TV). Table
decorations were large vases of sweeties to
whisk people back to their childhood: cola
bottles, marshmallows, black jacks, strawberry
laces, and even popping candy. A fantastic
time was had by all, especially the children
who managed to win almost all of the available
prizes and went home with armfuls of goodies.
Britannia
business
he business sessions started the following
morning with John Dilks, Britannia
Chairman, welcoming all the members
and guests and acknowledging the end of David
Tracey’s period as Britannia Managing Director
and introducing Nick Shotton into the role.
In his inaugural address as Britannia Managing
Director Nick said that Britannia is a family
and, like all families it has its squabbles. But he
said that there was always a desire for people
within the organisation to help each other out
and solve disputes amicably. It was business,
however, that was the purpose of Britannia and
Nick said that he wanted to get the company to
the position where it did more than just track
the market. “If the market is good we want to do
very well indeed, if it’s bad, we still need to do
better than most. We have to do this by selling.”
Nick then continued to offer his ideas about
how that could be achieved. “We have to build
on our standards and turn ourselves into a
revenue maximiser continually looking for ways
to increase revenue, increase operational
efficiency, reduce costs and bring new products
and services to the marketplace.”
Angus Russell made a presentation on training.
He said that the training programme was
developed to help the organisation develop a
better focus on customer service and quality.
He gave an illustration of the number of people
who had been trained but said that it could be
better. “I know times have been tough but we
really need to do this guys,” he said. Angus
continued to describe some of the subjects that
were included in the course including telephone
etiquette, the importance of adequate equipment,
attention to detail and much more. “It’s all about
making the job easier for us. A better reputation
will open doors for us. It will also help our agents
overseas as they will know the quality of our
work.” He closed by saying that training was a
great selling tool, Britannia’s USP, always trying
to go one better.
Zoe Duncombe and Shelley Cox presented
the services of Currencies Direct. The company
handles money transfers for people who are
emigrating. Zoe offered an illustration of exactly
how the process would work to the advantage
of Britannia’s customers and how Britannia
member companies could derive a revenue
stream from providing the service. She also
identified the retired sector as the ones who
have the most money in today’s market and
encouraged the Britannia members to concentrate
on them. Shelley continued by going into more
detail of exactly how Britannia members can
join the scheme and the most appropriate ways
of offering it to their clients.
 Britannia Conference

Chairman John Dilks welcomes

members and guests

David Tracey’s
retirement
During his time as managing director of Britannia
David Tracey had never been particularly comfortable
on stage, however his final appearance at a Britannia
conference required him to accept the thanks and
praise of his peers. He received gifts from Ole Jensen
of AMJ Campbell and Errol Gardiner of New Zealand
Van Lines before an official presentation by John
Dilks on behalf of Britannia Movers International.
Accepting his gifts David said that his job had given
him the privilege of making good friends in the industry
from all over the world. He hoped to continue those
friendships for many years into his retirement.
Angus Russell New Managing Director Nick Shotton He paid tribute to his colleagues who had helped him
at Britannia during his period as managing director
and, in closing, wished Britannia and all its members
a prosperous future.

Zoe Duncombe of Currencies Direct Shelley Cox of Currencies Direct

David Tracey accepts his retirement

gift from Chairman John Dilks

August 2010 Removals & Storage 49

 Britannia Conference
An international view
T
he conference benefited from the
attendance of a number of overseas
delegates including Errol Gardiner from
New Zealand Van Lines, Kim Moseley from
Chess Moving in Perth, Australia and Ole Jensen
from AMJ Campbell International in Canada.
Each gave a brief resume of the commercial
market in their country: Ole Jensen went first.
Ole said that the international business in
Canada had dropped by around 25% in the last
18 months which, he felt, was not too bad
compared with reports from other countries.
“But our domestic business is a complete
disaster,” he said, although the Canadian
housing market is remaining strong. To combat
the problem Ole said that his company had set
up a dedicated trailer run from Toronto across
Canada to Vancouver. “It’s a bit like the chicken
and the egg,” he said. “Do you wait for the
traffic or set up the service now. We decided now
is the right time.” Ole explained that the service
helps him keep control of his own costs and
allows consignments to reach their destination
six weeks earlier than they would through
Vancouver. The tactic has proved successful:
“Our groupage business from the UK has gone
up 300% compared with last year.” This was
one initiative Ole’s company had introduced to
beat the recession, he continued his presentation
by explaining others. “In recession we had to
think outside the box.”
Kim Moseley said that Australia had enjoyed
many years of continuous growth however the
impending federal election was adding an element
of uncertainty. He quoted some economic figures
including interest rates, 4.5%; inflation currently
Errol Gardiner comments on the
moving market in New Zealand
Ole Jensen
50 Removals & Storage August 2010
Awards
at 2.9%; and unemployment 5.4% predicted to
fall to 4.75% by 2012. He said the international
market for his company had been extremely
tough with both the number and the quality of
quotes falling. Despite the difficult market Kim
said it was still hard to recruit good staff as the
mineral business in Western Australia is
booming and forcing driver wage rates up.
Housing costs too were continuing to rise.
Kim said his companies imports had dropped
36% from a high in 2008 and 33% in exports.
To combat the downturn Kim had to ask his
staff to drop to a 4-day week for two months.
“They were very supportive,” he said. “My Rick Neave award for outstanding
management team worked five days and was contribution to Britannia presented by
paid for four days – an indicator of their Annie Neave to Janine Aldridge of BMI
commitment to the company.”
Errol Gardiner gave everyone a laugh by
lifting a toy gun to his head while describing
the state of the moving market in New Zealand.
He said his company had seen a 40% drop in
export work however this was maintaining
market share as government figures would
suggest this should be even higher. Imports from
the UK were significantly down too. Rates in New
Zealand were also under pressure particularly
for long-term contracts coming up for tender.
He did, however, say that he believed the market
has bottomed out as his figures were now holding Quality Movers Award
steady. “Overall there are some reasonably for UK Domestic:
positive signs. I expected our business to pick up Britannia Thomas Casserlys
late last year leading us into a robust summer.
It didn’t happen but I do think it will happen
this year.” He said that consumer confidence is
on the increase. “We are pointing in the right
direction, it’s just slow going.”
Most Improved Shipper:
Britannia Squab
Kim Moseley
Quality International
Mover of the year:
Britannia Sandersteads
The Top Shipper Award went to
Britannia Appleyards
 Britannia Conference

Gala dinner Lesley and John Dilks

Black ties and posh frocks were the order

of the evening at the Britannia gala dinner.
A unique brand of entertainment was
provided by Pluck, a string trio who were
both musically brilliant and hilariously
funny; plus table artists to keep everyone
entertained throughout. After-dinner
music was provided by the Darren Reeves Tom Wicks, Paul Bearsby and Natalie Blaszkowshi

Band who got the style and the volume

just right.
Pluck More Pluck

Wendy and Pete Monk

... and bassist from the band

The singer ...

Mark Lane, Sarah Beare, Sarah Lane, Andrew

Beare, Julie Lane, John and Pauline Barnet

The warehouse team and partners from BMI in Croydon

Richard and Diane Kitchen

Clare and Caroline Freestone Chris Smallwood, Mel and Malc Halley, Amanda and Martin Thomas

August 2010 Removals & Storage 51

 Letters/People News

Robert Dance,
Britannia
Leatherbarrows’
new general
manager

Send your letters to: The Editor, Steve Jordan, Removals & Storage,
The Words Workshop Ltd, 26 Swanwick Lane, Broughton, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 9LD
Tel: 01908 695500 Fax: 01908 690099 Email: rands@thewordsworkshop.co.uk

Here’s “what happened to Chaffeys”

J
ohn Hollingworth from Britannia Lanes
of Devon wrote to say that he was most
intrigued with the article on page 10 of the
June R&S, What happened to Chaffeys?
John said “I remember them well. Their yard,
which was about a mile outside Axminster
towards Musbury, is now a business unit of some
sort with I think a couple of houses as well. My
recollections are that they also had a Ford Thames
come up with a correct date. The Mercedes road
train, which was an ‘A’ frame trailer, was a
different colour to the original truck being a much
lighter brown, almost coffee colour. I could go
New general
on but must get on with some work! PS. They manager for
also had the proverbial Bedford TK as one of
their vehicles.” Britannia
If you have any old photos of vehicles or people
that you think would be of interest to the
Leatherbarrows

Trader with a fairly large (for the time) body on
it. I also recall the Guy Big J4. That was a
demountable body but I don’t remember ever
seeing a square box on the roof as a sleeper cab!
I think possibly that was put there on a rack for
advertising their container storage. There used
to be a railway bridge very near their yard which
was quite a hazard being on a blind bend. I think
they probably finished trading in the late eighties
early nineties - but I am sure someone will
C
membership, please e-mail rands@thewords
hristchurch-based Britannia
workshop.co.uk.
Leatherbarrows Removals and
Storage Ltd has recruited Robert
John remembers
the Guy Big J4, Dance as its new general manager.
but not the square “Robert has a tremendous wealth of
box on the roof experience in his 35 years in the removals
and storage industry,” said Managing
Director David Trenchard. “He will be a
welcome addition to our team.”

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52 Removals & Storage August 2010


In memory of Common Sense
By WALLY WHINGER
T
here was an obituary printed in the
London Times the other day mourning
the passing of a dear old friend –
Common Sense!
It began as follows. “Common Sense lived by
simple, sound financial policies - don’t spend
more than you can earn, and reliable strategies
like adults not children are in charge. His health
began to deteriorate when well intentioned
but overbearing regulations were set in place
that allowed a six-year-old to be prosecuted
for kissing a classmate, a teenager to be
suspended from school for using mouthwash
after lunch and a woman to claim compensation
for spilling hot coffee on herself.”
Okay, we all know that common sense has
always been in short supply, but during the
last few years of political correctness and petty
rules what little there was has been snuffed
out forever. Common sense has been replaced
by ‘guidelines’ and ‘written policy procedures’,
thinking and judgement it seems are no
longer required.
A friend of mine runs a motorcycle training
school and uses the playground at the local
school at weekends. Despite having used the
site for over 20 years the school now insists
Can you think of any subjects for our
grumpy old man to get his teeth into?
You can email him at:
david@thewordsworkshop.co.uk
Looks like last month was a bit on the tricky side. Only four people – Stuart Almandras, Ray Inskip, Graham Puddephatt
and Nick Flaxman – worked out that the part face belonged to Malcolm Pearson of Clockwork. Well done chaps, but there
can be only one winner and this time it was Ray Inskip who was first out of the hat and wins a free editorial in a future issue.
This month it’s a similar idea – but who could it be?
Answers to Steve@thewordsworkshop.co.uk
And another thing ...
he wears a visitor’s badge whenever he’s on
the premises, it’s evidently because of
OFSTED regulations and part of the school’s
new ‘safeguarding policy’. The fact that he
always wears a government licence with his
picture on it and a fluorescent jacket with the
name of the bike school, its telephone number
and website address printed on the back is
apparently no longer sufficient. Bonkers!
Thankfully the new government does seem
to have a little more common sense than the
last one, it’s already got rid of the FSA, HIPS
and the need to be CRB cleared before offering
to drive the kids’ football team to the match –
let’s hope it continues.
In the meantime I’ll leave you with the
closing words from the aforesaid obituary.
“Common Sense was preceded in death by
his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife
Discretion, by his daughter Responsibility and
by his son Reason. He is survived by his four
stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I Want it
Now, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I’m
A Victim.”
Note: Not many people attended Common
Sense’s funeral because so few people realised
he was dead.
Solution to July’s puzzle
August 2010 Removals & Storage 53
 Profile: Britannia Appleyards
Britannia Appleyards of Hull was
formed in 1995 with the goal of becoming the premier
removals company in East Yorkshire.
N
ow, 15 years on, the company has
come some way in achieving this feat,
however due to its progressive nature,
the Britannia Appleyards of today bears little
resemblance to the Britannia Appleyards of
1995. Charlotte Freestone spoke to Managing
Director Andy Dickerson about the company’s
diversification and continued progression in
the removals industry.
Andy has been working within Britannia
Appleyards since its conception and has helped
the company change to keep up with consumer
demands. As the domestic removals side of the
business grew the company progressed onto
commercial and international deliveries which
soon became its main source of business within
54 Removals & Storage August 2010
the removals sector. In 2001 the company built
what was the only purpose built removals
warehouse in Hull to keep up with the surge
in demand.
Andy believes that both the company’s
vast experience in international moves and
the company’s staff differentiate Britannia
Appleyards from other international movers.
He said, “We have a really tight, close knit team
in the office. I think being a small team is a
great benefit because clients get more of a one-
on-one service. If there are any queries we can
generally resolve them straight away because
everyone is involved with every move, rather
than there being a number of teams working
on different moves.”
Since 2001 the company has diversified and
developed its warehouse to facilitate self storage
and document storage as well. Integrating a
comprehensive document storage sector into a
business often acts as a springboard into
shredding. Certainly, this is what Andy and the
guys at Appleyards have found. “We began
document shredding two years ago,” explained
Andy. “In 2009 we purchased our own bailing
system so that we could effectively recycle our
own paper waste and cardboard.”
Andy said that originally the company was
sending the recycled paper to a chicken farm
for their use. However, he has since found a
paper mill to send the bailed paper to from which
they earn a revenue. “I was a little worried
 Profile: Britannia Appleyards
about the cost of investing in such an expensive
piece of equipment, however it will pay for itself
many times over.”
These sources of income have provided
Appleyards with a real life line over the recent
recession. Andy said that as the international and
domestic removals market plunged this provided
them with a constant stream of revenue. The
company also found itself turning to the
commercial market for the bulk of its business.
Andy explained, “During the credit crunch
we relied on the commercial market which is
something we haven’t had to do before. The
international and domestic market dropped away
really quickly and we found ourselves quoting
on jobs that we have never done before.”
However, Andy is confident that the tide is
now changing. “January and February of this
year were the worst months in shipping that I
“ We have a really have seen in 26 years but, thankfully, over the
past couple of months that has picked up which
tight, close knit team means we can start focusing our efforts back
in the office. I think on domestic and international moving again.”
Andy has seen many troughs and peaks in his
being a small team 26 years within the removals industry and he
is a great benefit believes the worst of this recession could possibly
be over.
because clients get For the international side of the business, Andy
more of a one-on-one has recently seen a trend in people shunning
service.” the ex-commonwealth countries and looking to
move to more exotic places. “Australia and
Andy Dickerson New Zealand are still very popular, but the world
has really opened up. Thanks to programmes
like A Place in the Sun people are looking to
Sweeping driveways are increasingly
a thing of the past. Big proprerties are
now more likely to be enclosed with
walls and fences, with less space available
for trucks and self storage units. Andy
Dickerson wants to cater for this new
trend by introducing the U-Tail mobile
self storage units, which were launched
earlier this year.
move to places they may not have heard of five
years ago. It is all down to the media really and
the locations they promote.”
As well as seeing first hand the changing trends
within the removals industry, Andy has also seen
the way removals companies operate change
along with the equipment and resources they use
to complete a job. In the same way as removals
companies have diversified into other areas, they
have also had to update and modernise their
resources to keep up with consumer demand
and changing trends.
Andy said, “In the 70s and 80s big properties
had huge sweeping driveways which could cater
for big removals trucks. This is no longer the
case. Even big properties tend to be enclosed with
fences, walls, electric gates and arches affecting
the amount of space available for removals trucks
and self storage units.”
By way of catering for this fairly recent trend,
Appleyards are looking to introduce the new
U-Tail, mobile self storage units, which were
launched at this years Commercial Motor Show
at the NEC.
The U-Tail, developed by Peugeot and Simply
Store Ltd, is a 3.5 ton vehicle designed to
hydraulically lower storage containers onto the
ground. These boxes can then be left behind
for packing before being picked up in the same
way when ready. Andy said, “These are looking
to be revolutionary for the industry. They will
be great for our self storage customers but also
for those harder to reach removals jobs that
are tight on space.”
August 2010 Removals & Storage 55
 Feature: Relocations in the Canaries
Relocations in the Canaries
The Canaries, a paradisiacal group of islands lying off the North
West of Africa and directly off the coast of Morocco, has long
been a popular spot for those looking to move to sunnier climes.
W
orldwide Moving and Storage SL,
based in Tenerife started life as Union
Jack Canarias CB in 1988, under the
directorship of Philip Manock, as the only
English removals company in the Canaries. 22
years later, Charlotte Freestone caught up with
Phillip about its progression and how working
in the Canaries differs from elsewhere.
When Union Jack Canarias was first formed
in the eighties the obstacles facing international
removal companies on the islands were quite
significant. Customs procedures were, to say the
least, a challenge in every department. Philip
said, “It was usual for customs to take six to ten
days to clear personal effects and every 3rd or
4th import was often followed by an inspection
by customs along with a government intervention
for tax if they were unsure of the imported items.”
From the outset Phillip was keen to establish
a good reputation with the local authorities and
to set an example of assistance in every way
possible, building over the years a very amicable
relationship. “This has enabled us to dispatch
effects upon arrival in a matter of two to three
days. This makes for smooth importation for
our clients and is a good confidence builder for
our worldwide agents.”
Another challenge facing the company at this
time was the regular documentation changes.
Phillip said, “Because the Canaries are not
considered to be in Europe for customs (TAX)
purposes, they are not considered for free
movement of goods. Therefore the documentation
procedures are still in existence and can be a
little tiresome. However our years of experience
with local authorities has equipped us well to
deal with this.”
The reputation of the islands at this time was
hindered by unscrupulous dealings by a lot of
businesses with many clients falling foul of the
time share companies. Union Jack Canarias
found it essential to align itself with recognised
reputable British companies. “We secured a
trading alliance with both Allied Pickfords (as
called then),” Phillip said. “We have since built
on this solid base and now take care of many
international removal companies throughout the
world giving them what we consider a trusted
friend in the industry.”
The company’s main aim was to give its clients
as much support and confidence as possible.
To this end it applied to be a member of BAR.
Phillip said, “To date this has been one of the
best decisions we have made and we are very
proud and respectful of our membership.”
Top: Some of the Worldwide By the end of 2001 the Union Jack Canarias
Moving and Storage SL fleet; had outgrown itself and, due to the change of
Above: “Miss the last flight or ferry and currency and the volume of business, the
you stay over until the following day.”
company changed its name to Worldwide Moving
and Storage and became a limited company.
56 Removals & Storage August 2010
Worldwide Moving and Storage SL are now the
longest established British-owned international
moving company in the Canarian archipelago.
Being a popular location for those looking to
emigrate, the company’s day-to-day work is
mainly the import and export of personal and
household effects with the commercial side
amounting to approximately 5% of turnover.
Phillip said that the majority of the company’s
work is on its base island of Tenerife, however
it is also required to take care of the imports
and exports on all the other Canarian islands
which on average takes staff off Tenerife two or
three times a week.
Phillip explained, “Exports are loaded and
dispatched in exclusive containers and shipped
to all parts of the world. Alternatively we collect
part loads and return them to Tenerife for
exporting through our groupage container service
to the UK. This often entails spending two or
three nights in hotel accommodation until the
work is complete.”
The imports are dealt with by Worldwide
Moving and Storage SL staff, using the local
flight company. Staff will leave at 5.00am for a
flight at 7.00am from the north of Tenerife. The
team then unload, unpack and set-up when
required, returning on the last flight which would
arrive back in to Tenerife at around 8.00pm.
Phillip said, “The challenge of working off-
island is very demanding and time critical: miss
the last flight or ferry and you stay over until
the following day.”
Phillip said that it is very important that
worldwide companies exporting to the Canarias
are fully aware that certain documentation is
required. Surprisingly, documentation differs
from Spain. “Without this documentation, clients
effects are delayed and port costs increase until
we can release the consignment,” Phillip said.
Despite previous growth in property demand,
the Canaries did not go unharmed by the recent
economic crisis. Phillip said that their business
turnover has decreased from 2008 by around
35%. “At present our export and import ratio is
80-20 in favour of export, which we feel is down
to the high level of unemployment and the poor
euro/pound exchange rate.”
Phillip continued, “However, over the last few
months our worldwide import enquiries have
increased significantly which hopefully signals
a recovery in the property market.”
The islands were also hit by the recent ash
cloud from the Icelandic volcano. Worldwide
Moving and Storage air freight business, which
has grown considerably over the years, found
exports, including the dispatch of family pets
were delayed and rescheduled. This meant
that clients had to return to the vet to update
treatment which is required 24 hours before
the journey. The company also found itself
rescheduling some of its export work as clients
arrival dates varied up to 14 days from what
was previously expected.
As the ash cloud has subsided and the economic
recovery builds it would seem that the Canaries,
with its obvious climate benefits, will continue
to be a hotspot for those looking to relocate.

Euro 6 standards pose a tough
challenge for truck manufacturers
Engine designers working for truck manufacturers now need to roll up their sleeves.
It is time to prepare for the new Euro 6 emission standards for newly manufactured
trucks which come into force on 31 December, 2013. Particle emissions must be
halved, and nitrogen oxide emissions must be reduced by 77%.
M
ats Franzén, Manager of Engine Strategy
and Planning at Volvo Trucks, is satisfied
with the way Volvo’s engine designers
are tackling adaptation to the new standards’
tough limit values.
“We take a positive view of the tough
requirements. They pose a challenge for us,
like for everyone else. They offer our engine
designers a chance to show their mettle, which
gives us a clear competitive edge. We will meet
the standards long before the new legislation
takes effect,” he commented.
So how must the engines be improved to meet
the new limit values? For marketing reasons,
Franzén does not want to specify exactly which
technical improvements will be made. There is
plenty to play around with: improved software,
improved friction conditions, more efficient
selective catalytic reduction and adaptation of
operating temperatures. It is very probable that
Euro 6 will require a combination of SCR
(Selective Catalytic Reduction), EGR (Exhaust
Gas Recirculation) and particulate filters
Independent researchers have raised criticisms,
arguing that the Euro 6 standards will mean
increased fuel consumption, given today’s
engine technology.
“Clearly, the challenge of Euro 6 will lie in
further reducing nitrogen oxide emissions
without increasing fuel consumption and thereby
increasing CO2 emissions. Our engine designers
have made enormous progress in recent decades,
and we’ll continue developing our engines for
The Euro 6 challenge
optimised fuel consumption regardless of changes Above: Mats Franzén, Manager of Engine Strategy
in regulations and standards,” said Franzén. and Planning at Volvo Trucks, is confident that
Fuel consumption has dropped dramatically truck manufacturers will be able to meet the
challenges of Euro 6 emission legislation.
in recent decades. For example, Volvo’s popular
FH truck has cut its diesel consumption by
almost 40% in the last 30 years. With the D13
engine, launched in 2005, Volvo took the definitive
step to the forefront of the industry in terms of
HOW THEY COMPARE
One truck from the 1980s operating at
fuel economy.
Euro 1 emission standards would emit
“Yes, we’re certainly leaders in fuel economy.
as much particulate matter as 75 trucks
And we’ll continue to reduce fuel consumption
running Euro 6 engines.
by about 1% a year. That means big savings,
both in economic and environmental terms,”
PM (g/kWh)
said Franzén.
0.36
But the biggest improvement of all is in air Euro 1
(1993)
emission levels. A truck 30 years ago produced
the same level of particulate emissions as 50
trucks today. When Euro 6 is introduced, the
level of particulate emissions will be further
reduced by 50%.
So engine designers can meet the emission
targets. However, the improvements come at a
price. Today, engines are roughly twice as
expensive to manufacture as in the early 1990s. 0.15
Euro 2
“Naturally, it’s very costly to develop engines (1996)
that are better in all respects in terms of 0.10
environment, fuel consumption, lifespan and Euro 3
Euro 5
(2001)
driveability,” explained Franzén. “Under Euro 6, (2009)
Euro 6 Euro 4
emissions of particles, nitrogen oxide and carbon (2013) (2006)
dioxide will be brought to environmentally 0.02
sustainable levels. Now we’re focusing on 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
reducing fuel consumption still further, thereby NOx (g/kWh)
cutting climate-altering CO2 emissions.”
August 2010 Removals & Storage 57
 Profile: PHS Teacrate

PHS Teacrate
Thinking inside the box
PHS Teacrate is the UK’s largest crate rental company hiring out more than 20 million
crates annually. Teacrate’s Sales Director, Simon Johns talks to Charlotte Freestone about
Teacrate’s history, how the company has changed, and its plans for the future.

58 Removals & Storage August 2010


T
eacrate began its life in 1990 when two
brothers began trading - with an idea and
a van. This idea was a modern take on the
old fashioned tea chests. They began trading
from a depot in Wood Lane, London which is
directly opposite the BBC studios close to
Teacrate’s current Scrubs Lane depot.
In 2002 the brothers sold the business to the
PHS Group, a £300 million company which
also focuses its business interests on washroom
services, matting (Treadsmart), plants (Greenleaf),
water coolers (Waterlogic), archiving and data
storage (Records Management) and confidential
document shredding and recycling (Datashred)
amongst others.
“ Although we are
part of a large
national group,
it’s important for
us to retain our
small company feel.”
Simon Johns
PHS Teacrate supplies the removals industry
with recyclable lidded, un-lidded and computer
crates. Along with this service the company’s
Packaging Division, formed in 2006, supplies the
removals industry with a wide range of cardboard
cartons, bubble wrap, packaging paper, tape,
quilted covers and handling equipment.
Simon continued, “With the financial backing
of PHS we have invested in specific products and
services that have allowed us to diversify into
other activities, for example crate washing.” This
has so far proved to be an astute move as the
housing market has been unstable and there’s
been a declining demand on the removals
industry.
Teacrate has eight fully stocked service centres
strategically placed across the country: London
West (Scrubs Lane), London East (Beckton),
Bristol, Manchester, Scotland, Sunderland and
two in Birmingham. Simon explains that the
warehouses are spread in this way so that
Teacrate can offer its customers a local service
with the reassurance of a nationally recognised
company. He says, “Our depot managers,
together with warehouse staff and service
drivers, have a wealth of local knowledge and
can provide a rapid response directly to customers
in their areas.”
Teacrate also runs two buy online websites,
teacratepackaging.co.uk and rentacrate.co.uk,
for purchasing packaging supplies and ordering
crates specifically tailored to end users and
the domestic market. Simon continued, “Our
customers are seeing the benefits of using our
websites as a means of supplying the end user
with the materials they need on a nationwide
basis. It takes the burden of storage and delivery
off our customers as we are ideally placed to
deliver direct to the end user on our client’s
behalf.”
For PHS Teacrate getting the right products
to the right place at the right time is key. This is
made easier by its extensive fleet of delivery
vehicles which mean that all crate and packaging
products can be delivered anywhere in the UK
with next day delivery as standard. And this
service hasn’t gone unnoticed by the company’s
customers who have given Teacrate an average
delivery service rating of 98.7%.
Simon reflected on the culture at Teacrate,
commenting, “Teacrate has retained a very
customer-focused culture. Although we are part
of a large national group, it’s important for us
to retain our small company feel. Teacrate’s
reputation has been built on providing the
personal touch and that is something that we
will continue to focus on.”
Simon stressed that the company has quality
systems such as IIP and ISO 9001 in place, as
well as ongoing staff training programmes to
support its customer service targets. He said,
“For some customers, our delivery personnel
are the first and last people their clients see.
Impressions count, so we recognise that this
Profile: PHS Teacrate
team are core to our efforts.”
So, what about the future of PHS Teacrate?
Despite diversification into other markets and
plans to make greater inroads into the food and
retail markets, Simon said that PHS Teacrate
will continue to focus on its core market of
removals and storage. The company’s BAR
affiliate membership aids this.
“Many of our customers are BAR members,”
said Simon. “By participating in regular BAR
meetings and conferences we can keep our finger
on the pulse in terms of the issues affecting our
customers and the industry in general.”
Teacrate has been the official sponsor of
CMOTY for three years. Prior to this Rentacrate
“ By participating
in regular BAR
meetings and
conferences we
can keep our finger
on the pulse ...”
Simon Johns
(a Teacrate acquisition) was a sponsor for many
years. Simon personally congratulates the 2010
competition winners Pickfords Business Moving
on their success and thanks all competition
entrants, without their hard work the CMOTY
event would not be possible. He looks forward
to the 2011 event.
Teacrate’s newest incentive, ‘High Five’,
offers contracted customers free delivery, up to
60 days credit, a rebate of up to 3% of total
spend, guaranteed prices for the length of the
contract and discounted rates for crate collection
from any of the eight nationwide service centres.
Simon said, “Any company can offer a set
rate contract, but as a further commitment to
our customers we wanted to give more as
acknowledgement of their loyalty.”
Teacrate began
in 1990 with an
idea and a van,
it now operates
eight fully stocked
service centres
nationwide
August 2010 Removals & Storage 59
 Packexe

Packexe:
Developed for a purpose
Packexe Ltd, was founded in 1989 by the present CEO, Andrew Orchard, as a film
converter before evolving to develop Handy Wrap as a distinctive wrapping and
bundling tool. Packexe’s focus on innovation and the experience of its staff has
carried it successfully through the last 20 years and has seen a growing range
of protection films developed in their Exeter-based Warehouse.

T
he Packexe floor and surface protection
range was launched in 2003 and the range
of temporary self-adhesive protection film
has proved to be one of the most highly
demanded products in the construction and
building industry. With the demand for
protection films growing Packexe has extended
its distribution network which spans the UK
and Ireland. Well known prestigious companies
such as Kes Reclamation stock the films along
with many national builders’ merchants and
decorating centres.
Kirk Smith, Managing Director of Kes said,
“We have stocked Packexe Carpet Film and
Hard Floor Protector for four years now. It is a
very high standard protection film that has an
ease of application through the dispenser. I would
highly recommend it to BAR members.”
Packexe is continually working with its
customers and professionals to research and
develop new products. As a result of this, each
of the four films in the Packexe range: Carpet,
Hard Floor, Multi Surface and Glass & Glazing,
have been developed with Midas Construction
to ensure that a unique grade of adhesive was
produced to fulfill the needs of their end users.
The innovative technology is in the adhesive as
it is specifically designed for different surfaces
leaving no residue when it is removed. Carpet
Protection Film is a great example of this as it Sticky stuff:
was created to allow low slip and waterproof The clever part of Packexe’s
walkways for people who need to move quickly innovative product is in the
and safely. The protective films have been very adhesive - it leaves no residue
popular with building and construction TV shows when the film is removed
where time, safety and reliability are amongst after use
their main priorities when the professionals
are rushing around with equipment in a busy
working environment. Packexe has also
produced a dispenser for the protection films
which enables the film to be laid quickly and
safely by one person, further saving the
professional’s time to get on with the construction
job at hand.
The success of Packexe protection films has
recently embarked upon new ventures. The
most recent development, Packexe SMASH, is a
global glass management protection film used
by the fire and rescue industry for extrication
at road side collisions.
Over the years Packexe has built a trusted
reputation based on a superior quality of product
and service. All product ranges are branded to
ensure traceability, product guarantee and to
enhance recognition. If you would like more
information on any of the Packexe product ranges
then visit their website www.packexe.co.uk.

60 Removals & Storage August 2010

 free seminars • networking • innovation • products

facilities
management
needn’t cost
the earth

Supported by Organised by
Register for free today at

www.twmexpo.com/BAR
 Wage rates
Signs of pay
pick-up in road
haulage and
distribution
This year’s annual survey on
pay and conditions within the
road transport and distribution
industry has been published by
Incomes Data Services Limited.
T
he survey examines pay and conditions
for drivers, warehouse workers and
managers focusing in particular on the
impact of the recession on the removals
industry. The online questionnaire,
conducted in January and February 2010,
was distributed to key companies operating
in the road transport, warehousing and
distribution sector, with a total of 46 different
companies participating (including removal
companies). The analysis looks at trends in
basic pay, bonuses and working times.
Sector recovery
There are now signs that the industry may
be recovering. In particular, the level of pay
settlements for 2010, though still modest, is
higher than for 2009. The median increase
so far for 2010 is 1.5%. By contrast, the median
for 2009 was just 1%.
The proportion of pay freezes also seems to
be slowing. In 2009, freezes made up 48% of
settlements across the sector. So far in 2010
pay freezes are down to 44% of reviews, and
may fall further if the economic recovery
gathers pace.
The structure of pay
Distribution firms with a national reach appear
to operate a variety of approaches when it
comes to the level at which pay is set. On the
one hand, there are those firms that operate
a national approach, with the same rates of
pay across multiple sites. Others, such as the
Royal Mail, operate a traditional ‘national-
plus’ approach, with higher rates of pay in
London only.
Drivers’ pay
Overall, the survey found that the median
hourly rate for a category C LGV driver (those
whose licence allows them to drive vehicles
over 7.5 tonnes) is currently £8.50. Basic rates
62 Removals & Storage August 2010
for this grade ranged from £6.56 to £14.39.
The median hourly rate for a category C+E
articulated LGV driver (those whose licence
allows them to drive a vehicle over 7.5 tonnes
and a lorry towing a trailer) is £1 an hour
higher at £9.50. The lowest rate paid for this
driver class is £6.25, rising to a maximum of
£15.17 an hour.
While basic weekly hours ranged from 36.25
up to 50 hours, the most common working
week is 40 hours. The recession appears to
have had a major effect on overtime, with a
number of firms reporting that overtime
earnings for drivers were down. Bonuses
remain important however, and arguably have
gained importance as basic pay was frozen or
increased only slightly. Just four respondents
reported that changes had been made to usual
bonus arrangements due to the downturn.
Warehouse workers’ pay
The median basic rate for a warehouse worker
is £8.21 an hour, based on 45 hourly rates of
pay. The interquartile range, within which
half of rates fall, is between £7.48 and £9.09
an hour. The median and most common
working week for a warehouse worker is 40
hours, although hours can range from 35 to
55 a week. Night shifts were found to be the
most common type of shift with a premium
attached. Premiums for night shift working
are typically paid at between 20 and 33% of
the basic hourly rate.
Supervisory and managerial staff
Current rates of pay for four levels of
supervisory and managerial-level staff -
supervisor, transport manager, warehouse
manager and general manager - were
discussed in the survey. Salaries for
supervisory staff range from £12,000 to
£44,500 with the ‘typical’ salary or midpoint
falling at £23,430.
Warehouse managers had a midpoint or
‘typical salary’ of £37,500 at the median, with
pay points ranging from £22,000 at the
minimum to £89,250 at the maximum. Among
large firms the median midpoint salary is
higher at £45,000.
Transport managers typically manage drivers
and the transportation aspect of logistics. Job
titles given for this level include shift/duty
manager, core fleet transport manager, depot
manager, group logistics manager and
distribution manager. The median midpoint
salary for this job level is £33,300. Salaries
tend to be higher at large organisations with
over 1,000 staff, where the median midpoint
salary rises to £37,000. Overall, pay points in
this year’s survey range from £16,000 at the
minimum to £58,100 at the maximum.
The median midpoint salary for a general
manager is £47,150 overall, although there
is much variance depending on the size of
organisation. At small organisations, with
500 employees or less, the median midpoint
salary is £35,000, while at large firms the
median is almost double at £66,175.
Over half of respondents also reported that
managers received a bonus. Bonuses are
generally paid on an annual performance-
related basis, with typical amounts ranging
from £200 to £5,000 a year with some firms
paying bonuses as a percentage of salary.
As the industry continues along its path in
the economic recovery it would seem that
most firms are rewarding their staff with
bonuses by way of compensating for pay
freezes and lack of overtime. Job cuts were
made at over a third of the sites that responded
to the survey, affecting small firms in particular.
This is reflected in the pay rates, with those
working at larger firms receiving higher rates
of pay than those at smaller firms. Something
that will begin to even up as the economic
climate changes.
 Memberships

BAR Memberships August 2010

Registered: Applications: Resignations:
The following members have registered: BAR has received the following applications for: BAR is sorry to lose the membership of the
following companies whilst thanking them for
National Group National & Overseas Group
their past support:
HPI Commercial Services Ltd Oceanair International Movers Ltd
International Associate
Memb No: H100 59 Lockfield Avenue
Russell Street Enfield Pejozi Mobeltransporte International
Johnstone Middlesex Memb No: Z302
Renfrewshire EN3 7PY
Henri Harsch HH S.A.
PA5 8BZ Tel: 0208 805 1221
Memb No: H308
Tel: 01505 329 601 Web: www.oceanairinternational.com
Web: www.hpiremovals.co.uk Additional Trading Name
Additional Trading Name
Sales Office Crofton Park Removals ATN of
Howells Removals & Storage an ATN of
Matthew James Removals & Storage Ltd
Fox Group (Moving & Storage) Ltd Fox Group (Moving & Storage) Ltd
Memb No: M091
Memb No: F002 Memb No: F002
47 High Street Blue Swift Removals ATN of W H Cox & Son
International Associate
Blackwood (Removals & Storage) Ltd
Gwent Hanley Storage Ltd Memb No: C094
NP12 3UE Chapelriver
Southern Removals ATN of
Tel: 01446 814861 Kiladreenan
Turners Removals Ltd, West Sussex
Newtownmountkennedy
Self Storage Special Interest Group Memb No: T029
Wicklow
Yeates Self Storage Eire Termination:
(G.H. Yeates & Sons Ltd) Tel: 00353 12810416
Liquidation
Memb No: Y002 Web: www.djhanley.ie
National Group
International Associate Branch Gulf Agency Company (Sharjah) W.L.L
PO Box 435 Jet Removal Services Ltd and ATN of
Careline International Moving & Storage Sharjah John Thompson & Son
Memb No: C081 United Arab Emirates Memb No: J007
15 Park West Industrial Estate Tel: +971 652 80 070
Parkwest Web: www.gac.com
Dublin, 12
Ireland Gulf Agency Company (Bahrain) W.L.L
Tel: 00353 16233832 PO Box 18006
Web: www.careline.ie Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 480 59 347
Web: www.gac.com
Gulf Agency Company (Ras Al Khaimah) L.L.C
Al Muntasir Road
Ras Al Khaimah
United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 722 72 111
Web: www.gacworld.com

Any member wishing to make any

comment regarding an application
should do so in writing to BAR Head
Office within 21 days of receipt of
this notification.
Details of membership applications
in process may also be found on the
BAR website: www.bar.co.uk

August 2010 Removals & Storage 63

Trafalgar Cases Ltd
INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING AT ITS BEST

Standing the test of time

Trafalgar Cases range of warehouse containers are still manufactured and
produced to the same high standards as 20 years ago.

Just like Stonehenge, their design, construction & appearance

have stood the test of time, continually providing customers with a reliable
quality warehouse container.

INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING IN PLYWOOD, SOFTWOOD & CORRUGATED BOARD

Stanhope Works, Primrose Hill, Kings Langley, Herts WD4 8HS

Telephone: +44(0) 1923 261155. Fax: (0) 1923 268064.
E-mail: sales@trafalgarcases.co.uk Web: www.trafalgarcases.co.uk
 Diary Dates

Diary Dates
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL BAR AREA MEETINGS 2010 Southern Area
CONFERENCES 2010 Contact Peter Doman: 01372 385985
Kent Area peterd@basilfry.co.uk
IAM 48th Annual Meeting Contact Tom Bourne: TomB@uts-bournes.co.uk October 20 12.30pm Venue TBA
San Diego, California, USA
September 29 – October 2 East Met Area Western Area
Contact Ray Slemmings: 01708 440113 Contact Ria Russell: 01278 447099
FEDEMAC General Assembly September 14 -
Amsterdam, Netherlands Northern Area Speaker to be advised or general meeting for
November 26 – 28 Contact David McGarry: 01325 348700 current issues.
November 9 -
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL Northern Ireland Area Possible skittles and fireworks evening at
CONFERENCES 2011 Contact Campbell McGimpsey: 028 9145 Middlezoy. (To be confirmed dependent on
6222 numbers and venue confirmation.)
FIDI Annual Conference
Lisbon, Portugal South Western Area West Midlands Area
May 1 – 5 Contact Adrian Foster: 01752 228815 Contact Sarah Pargeter: 01384 377786

Young Movers Conference Sussex Area BAR SCOTTISH AREA

Malta Contact Nicholas Marshall: 0845 602 1755 MEETINGS 2010
May 26 – 29
East Anglia Area Contact Phil Stewart: 01786 448383
MöLo International Fair Contact Andrew Pearson: 01362 853777 Meetings will be held at:
‘Furniture Logistics, September 14 - Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn
Removals and Services’ October 12 - September 14 -
Kassel, Germany November 9 - November 9 -
June 16 – 18
New Met Area
AMÖ General Assembly Contact Darren House: 01932 253737
Kassel, Germany September 16 -
June 18 ‘Hog Roast’ evening kindly hosted by
Anglo Pacific at their premises:
BOARD, COUNCIL AND Anglo Pacific, 5/9 Willen Field Road
COMMITTEE MEETINGS 2010 London NW10 7BQ.

Board of Directors North West Area

September 15 Contact Annette Harris: 0161 653 4455
December 1
Yorkshire Area
Executive Committee Contact Graham Puddephatt:
September 6 - grahamp@reason-global.com
November 24 - September 15 - Venue TBA
November 17 - Venue TBA
National Council
October 12 - East Midlands Area
Contact Jayne Cliffe: 01778 394291
Overseas Group Meetings will be held at:
October 13 - The Haycock Hotel, Wansford
September 15 7.00pm
Commercial Moving Group November 17 7.00pm
October 14 -

Do you have any diary dates?

E-mail them to rands@thewordsworkshop.co.uk

Feature Schedule 2010 Here’s what’s coming up: October 2010: Fiji
November 2010: Ghana December 2010: Hungary

Every month Removals & Storage includes a number of E-mail us on any of the topics mentioned, or with anything you wish to say,
feature items. These are planned well in advance to allow at rands@thewordsworkshop.co.uk or phone Charlotte Freestone on
members of and suppliers to the industry to join in. 01908 695500.

August 2010 Removals & Storage 65

 TRADE SERVICES

Channel Islands Ireland Scotland/Europe

Scotland and Islands

Daily trade service to and from the Channel Islands Established 1990

�� Packing services �������������������������������������

�� Origin and destination
services
��������������������������
�� Local storage �������������������������������������������
�� International groupage ����������������������
services
�����������������������������
�� Export packing services
��������������������������
���������������������������
Tel: 01489 581 063 or 01489 579 997
Email: channel.islands@pickfords.com
www.pickfords.com
PO19

Isle of Man North West

Sweden and Scandinavia

��������
�����������
���������������������
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66 Removals & Storage August 2010

 TRADE SERVICES

France

France &
Switzerland
• Weekly services and competitive rates
H081

• Tranship & Hoist services available

• Collection from your To download ou
depot or clients www.hamiltonsr r tariffs visit:
emova
residence available Username:Trad ls.co.uk
Password: Ham6 e
62

H A M I LTO N S
N AT I O N A L & I N T E R N AT I O N A L R E M O VA L S
Contact our European department on 01379 851074
trade@hamiltonsremovals.co.uk

Germany and Austria Austria Eastern Europe

WH HUMPHREY & SON LTD Eastern Europe

Weekly shuttle service

Full, part and return loads
Weekly Groupage Service Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria
Austria, Slovenia, Croatia
Full origin and destination Romania, Czech Republic
services available.
German speaking staff
Contact Chris
Contact Darrel or Justin T: 020 88035151
Tel: 0208 144 0734 • Fax: 0844 770 7111 F: 020 88074141
E: Europe@ryansmove.com
Email: Darrelb@humphreys-moving.com

Italy

ITALY
• Regular runs to all areas • Full or part loads
TRADE • Receiving depot 10mins from M25 J5 ...or we collect
ROUTES • All deliveries and collections carried out by our own crews
TO
Phone Paul for advice and genuine delivery/collection times
paul@bearsbyremovals.co.uk
-AND OF
COURSE FRANCE EN
ROUTE 01732 358900 ‘WHEN SERVICE MATTERS’
Switzerland Cyprus and Malta

� Weekly Services to
North and Southern Cyprus, Malta,
Egypt, Israel, Dubai, Morocco,
Canary Islands, Lebanon and Tunisia.

Contact Darrel or Justin

Tel: 0208 144 0734 • Fax: 0844 770 7111
Email: Darrelb@humphreys-moving.com

August 2010 Removals & Storage 67

 TRADE SERVICES

Spain United Arab Emirates

Purely The Balearics, No Bull! WEEKLY

��������
�������
Weekly Scheduled Service, Containerised Storage Depots
Holder of Spanish Transport Licence
for our Tranship vehicles ��������
Unrivaled Infrastructure in Mallorca, Menorca & Ibiza
Excellent Rates, Payment in Euros or GBP accepted
�����
UK Office: 01843 585055, sales@webbsremovals.com
Mallorca Office: 0034 971 693566, webbs@spain.cc
������
Trade website: www.william-worldwide-webb.com

REGULAR

�����
Regular Trade
�������� Services to
���������������������������������
�����������������������������������������������������
�������������������������������������������� ������ UNITED ARAB
��������������������
����������������������������������������������������� ������ EMIRATES
Dubai, Sharjah
and Abu Dhabi
OVERSEAS
REMOVER

Advance
Payment
Guaranteed

Full & part loads Memb No: GO13

Call Stuart, Sami or Jeremy on

01432 377477
fax: 01432 279894
email: shipping@gbliners.com
�����������������
����������������� ������������� Caribbean

����������������������������
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Cyprus

Regular Trade
Services to
SOUTHERN
CYPRUS
& all other major
destinations
OVERSEAS
REMOVER

Advance
Payment
Guaranteed

Full & part loads Memb No: GO13

Call Stuart, Sami or Jeremy on

01432 377477
fax: 01432 279894
email: shipping@gbliners.com

68 Removals & Storage August 2010

 TRADE SERVICES

South America China

Trade services to and from Panama,Costa Rica,Puerto Rico Honduras,Dominican

Republic, El Salvador Ecudor Guatamala,colombia ������������
Nicaragua./Brazil,argentina,peru,chile,bolivia, venezuala, mexico,
paraquay,uruguay.
�����������������
LCL, groupage and full container services to central and south america. Paima, fidi
,IAM, Bar. Warehouse receiving 6.30am-9.30pm saturdays 6.30am-4.00pm.
Tel: +44 (0)1902 714555
Fax: +44 (0)1902 427837
Email: gary@burkebros.co.uk
Burke Bros Moving Group, Burke Bros Trading Estate, Fox's Lane, Wolverhampton, ������������������������
West Midlands. WV1 1PA ����������������������������
���������������������������
������������������
��������������������������

Worldwide South Africa Training

Trade Rates ��������������������������������������

to Europe �����������������������������
������������������������������������������
Regular Services to all Major ����������������������
Destinations Worldwide
Receiving in Windsor & Stourbridge Trailer Hire
Contact Mike, Chris or Steve on �����������
������������
01633 488 100 TRAILER HIRE ��������������
trade@fox-moving.com From car trailers to 3200 cubic feet
stepframes, 8 container
��������
curtainsiders unsignwritten haulage ������������������������
������������������������
available too. (UK and Europe). �������������������������������������������
G&R Advert 60x60mm:Layout 1 20/10/08 16
Piano Specialists www.tradestorage.co.uk/trailers �����������������������������������

020 8795 4838 or 01793 731696 ������������������������

�������������������������
�������������������������������������������
THE PIANO Computers and Internet �����������������������������������������
��������������������������������
SPECIALISTS ���������������������������
A family run business, Est. in 1968.
���������������������������
LOCAL MOVING • WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
WEEKLY EUROPEAN SERVICE
Recommended by the worlds finest piano manufacturers,
auctioneers, music colleges & academies.

Mem. No G005

100 BOLLO LANE, CHISWICK, LONDON W4 5LX

Tel: +44 (0) 20 8994 9733 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8995 0855
Email: info@gandrremovals.co.uk www.gandrremovals.co.uk

External Elevators

August 2010 Removals & Storage 69

 TRADE SERVICES
Strip Ad Trade Services:Layout 1 12/5/10 12:55 Page 1
Trade Storage

Cadogan Tate® Trade Services www.cadogantate.com

TRADE STORAGE – Please call Alan Carpenter 0208 963 3905

Depots in LONDON NW10 – WOKINGHAM (M4) – OXFORD (M40)
Secure alarmed warehouses – helpful flexible service - competitive rates�
EXTERNAL ELEVATOR – Please call Alan Carpenter 0208 963 3905
External access up to 6 th floor – no stair/lift work. Includes Operator & Equipment.
Immediate payback in saved time & money.
EUROPEAN GROUPAGE – Please call Stuart Ashe 0118 989 5500
Fortnightly air-ride satellite tracked service between London, Paris, Geneva & Côte d’Azur.
Fine Art service available. Trade rates.

www.tradestorage.co.uk Warehouse Containers

We are not a removal company or

your competitor, you are our clients
on which our business depends.
They say that imitation is a form of
flattery - but there is only one
Trade Storage Limited.
sales@tradestorage.co.uk
London or Swindon
0208 795 4838 or 01793 731696

How do you find the

right person for the job?
Advertise your job vacancies in
Removals & Storage magazine
“I would highly recommend R&S magazine to any
Removal Company wishing to advertise their job vacancies.
I cannot praise the classified team highly enough for their
professonalism, pro-activeness, skill and design capabilites.
If all our suppliers were out of the same mould, and achieved
the same results for us, our professional working life would be
made a great deal easier!”
Mina Patel, Bishop’s Move

Call Marianne Lee on:

01908 695500
or email: marianne@thewordsworkshop.co.uk

70 Removals & Storage August 2010

 ADVERTISING RATES

Journal of the British Association of Removers

ADVERTISING RATES
1st January 2010

DISPLAY AD RATES* (per insertion) 1–6 Insertions 7–12 Insertions

Members/Affiliates Non-Members Members/Affiliates Non-Members

Full Colour Full Page £745 £928 £707 £886

Half Page £470 £583 £434 £547
Quarter Page £279 £350 £266 £335
Mono Full page £473 £593 £434 £542
Half Page £343 £429 £308 £386
Quarter Page £220 £276 £208 £260
Inside Front Cover £886 £1110 £849 £1066
Outside Back Cover £955 £1157 £905 £1129
Front Cover (full colour, per single insertion) £964 £1190

DISPLAY AND CLASSIFIED AD MECHANICAL DATA (height x width)

Full Page: Half Page: Quarter Page: Front Cover:
Trim 297mm x 210mm Horizontal 135mm x 188mm Horizontal 66mm x 188mm Trim 210mm x 210mm
Bleed 303mm x 216mm Vertical 272mm x 92mm Vertical 135mm x 92mm Bleed 210mm x 213mm

CLASSIFIED RATES* MECHANICAL SPEC

All advertisements to be supplied in eps format
Situations Vacant £2.15 per word (min 15 words)
(CMYK, 300dpi) with fonts and pictures embedded or
Sales and Wants £2.15 per word (min 10 words) as a high resolution PDF (Acrobat Distiller settings can
Boxed Ad £26.50 (per single column cm) be supplied on requ est). Please send on CD (with a
(Picture £16 extra) printed colour copy for checking layout)**
to the address below, or by email:
Box Number £26.50 marianne@thewordsworkshop.co.uk
Loose Inserts £278 per 1,000
(per A4 sheets supplied) GUARANTEED POSITIONS
All guaranteed positions, excluding front cover, inside
Half Page Mono £509 front cover and outside back cover, are charged at
Half Page Colour £614 normal rates plus 20% and are subject to availability.
Quarter Page Mono £422
ENQUIRIES
Quarter Page Colour £500 All enquiries to:
TRADE RATES* Marianne Lee,
The Words Workshop,
Trade notices are booked per unit or multiples thereof, 26 Swanwick Lane,
and run for a minimum of 12 months. Broughton,
One unit measures 30mm x 1 column (60mm) Milton Keynes, MK10 9LD.
1 unit mono £391 per annum Tel: 01908 695500
Email: marianne@thewordsworkshop.co.uk
1 unit colour £508 per annum
COPY DATE PLEASE NOTE:
All rates shown cover the cost of advert insertion only.
10th of the preceding month
Advertisers should provide their own advertising
artwork. Removals & Storage can generate new or
amend existing artwork for an additional charge.
All advertising must be paid for in advance by credit card.

* All prices are subject to VAT at the current rate.

** If no colour print is supplied, The Words Workshop cannot accept responsibility for the correct reproduction of the advertisement.
Removals and Storage is produced by The Words Workshop on behalf of The British Association of Removers.
All display rates shown are per single insertion, based on singular or series bookings for editions of R&S within 12 calendar months.

August 2010 Removals & Storage 71

 CLASSIFIEDS

Classified For Sale Opportunities

Advertising Used 250ft3 storage containers Are you considering selling

Charges £75 each. Contact Mandy on part of your business now?
01285 641003 Investor seeks document archiving /
All classified advertisements should be booked no later than the 10th storage businesses for sale.
and received no later than the 15th of the month preceding publication. Contact in confidence to
+353868042993 or
For all advertising enquiries please contact: sellopportunity@ireland.com
Marianne Lee at The Words Workshop,
marianne@the wordsworkshop.co.uk
26 Swanwick Lane, Broughton, Milton Keynes MK10 9LD
Tel: 01908 695500 Fax: 01908 690099 Are You Looking To Sell?
Rates
Situations Vacant £2.15 per word (min 15 words) We are looking to buy good quality household moving and storage
For Sale and Wanted ads £2.15 per word (min 10 words) companies in London and the home counties.
Boxed Ad (Semi-Display) £26.50 per single column centimetre Please call 07933 123 123
(Please note all lineage & semi-display ads are set by R&S in house style)
in full confidence for a quick decision.
Half Page Mono £509
Half Page Colour £614
Quarter Page Mono £422
Quarter Page Colour £501
Box Number +£26.50

SELL IT OR FIND IT
All charges are plus VAT.

Box Numbers

WITH A LINEAGE AD
Replies to Box Number advertisements should be sent to:
The Advertiser
Box no. (XYZ)
The British Association of Removers

£2.15
Tangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford, Herts WD18 0TG
FOR JUST
Situations Vacant +VAT
In line with the Sex Discrimination Act, all positions are open to male
and female applicants.

Vehicles
Purchasers of a vehicle advertised in Removals & Storage should satisfy
themselves that the payload/volume is suitable for the purpose for which PER WORD
they intend to use it.

Situations Vacant

��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
��� ����� ��� ������� ������������ �������� ������ ���� ������������ ���������� ���� ���������
��������� ��� �������� ����� ��������� �������� ���� ��������������� ��������� ������ ���� �����
�� ����������� ��������� ��� ������� ���� �������� ��������� ������ ���� ���� ��� ���� ������� ��� ����
��������������������

��������������������������������������������������
���������������
���������������������������������������
����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
�������������������������������������������
�

�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
�������������������������������������
�������������������������

72 Removals & Storage August 2010

 CLASSIFIEDS

The Words Workshop ...

moving is our business
W hen it comes to writing it’s important to get things spot on. Whether it’s a
newsletter, an article for a magazine, the words on your website, or an advert
for the Removals & Storage, it’s important that you get the message just right.
Steve Jordan, our managing director, has worked in the moving business for over
thirty years and is a familiar face to many in the industry – he is also the editor of
this magazine. Steve’s long experience both as a moving man and a copywriter
has enabled him to assemble a team of writers that really know how the moving
business works - and that means we are in a unique position to provide the
right words for your business.
So, if you’re wracking your brains trying to think of a catchy story that will
get you in the news, want to start a newsletter but don’t have the time, or
simply hate writing - give us a call, we’ll be happy to help.

Call: +44 (0) 1908 695500

or visit: www.thewordsworkshop.co.uk
The Words Workshop
26 Swanwick Lane
Broughton, Milton Keynes
The right words for your business United Kingdom MK10 9LD

FIND THE BOOK YOUR

RIGHT PERSON CLASSIFIED
FOR THE JOB QUARTER PAGE
ADVERTISEMENT

MONO:
£422
FOR

COLOUR:
£501
FOR

Advertise your job vacancies in

Removals & Storage magazine
Call Marianne Lee on: Contact Marianne Lee
01908 695500 Tel:01908 695500 Fax:01908 690099
Email:marianne@thewordsworkshop.co.uk
or email: marianne@thewordsworkshop.co.uk

August 2010 Removals & Storage 73

 CLASSIFIEDS

BOOK YOUR
CLASSIFIED
QUARTER PAGE
VEHICLE
SALES
ADVERTISEMENT
OFFER!
MONO: THIS FOR SALE

£422
Make and Model
FOR +VAT
SPACE
Marsden Vanplan
X container,
new MOT to June
XXXX,

PLUS
full service history
XXXXXkm.
Feature, feature,
feature,

PICTURE
feature, feature,
feature,

COLOUR:
feature, feature,
feature,

FOR
LEZ compliant.
Asking price

£501 £188
ONLY
Contact XXXX XX
XX
Phone and em
FOR +VAT ail address

+VAT
Contact Marianne Lee
Tel:01908 695500 Fax:01908 690099 Contact Marianne Lee
Email:marianne@thewordsworkshop.co.uk Tel:01908 695500 Fax:01908 690099
Email:marianne@thewordsworkshop.co.uk

Order additional copies of R&S

R&S is published monthly and costs only £48 a year for
UK companies and £72 a year for Overseas companies.
You may order as many copies as you wish.
Please send your order with payment to:
British Association of Removers,
Tangent House,
62 Exchange Road,
Watford,
Herts WD18 0TG
England.

Please send copies of Removals & Storage to: I enclose a cheque for
Name made payable to: The British Association of Removers
Company
Address I wish to pay by debit/credit card (not Amex)
Card number

Postcode
Tel no Expiry date MM/YY
email Security code

74 Removals & Storage August 2010

 Trade Secrets
Find out what you can achieve on-line with
our trade groupage shipping services,
and make sure you’re in the know.
We’ve been in the business for
30 years and offer frequent
sailings on all routes to major
destinations worldwide.

We’ll arrange shipment on the vessel

promised and nominate reliable FIDI
agents at destination. With depots in
London, Manchester and Glasgow we
offer a competitive groupage solution
wherever you are located.

At Anglo Pacific we understand

your business and will ensure
that your goods are handled
professionally from start to
finish.

Visit our website or simply call

our friendly experts and
get the facts.

Memb No: A026

Our Services
◆ Continuous receiving in London, Manchester and Glasgow
◆ Worldwide LCL, FCL and airfreight services
◆ Regular groupage services to Australasia, North America, South Africa, S.E. Asia, Dubai, Cyprus
◆ On-line sailing schedule updates and shipment tracking

FREEPHONE 0800 707 6093

Or visit us at www.anglopacific.co.uk. London, Manchester, Glasgow